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Banff World Media Festival 2025 Agenda - Print Version

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  • Thursday, April 27, 2023
  • Saturday, June 10, 2023
  • Sunday, June 11, 2023
  • Monday, June 12, 2023
  • Tuesday, June 13, 2023
  • Wednesday, June 14, 2023

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Thursday, April 27


1:00 PM
Pitch Doctors: CBC Comedy, MTV Networks International, Bell Media
1:00 PM-2:30 PM

Perfect your pitch! In these 13-minute virtual consultation sessions, some of the industry’s most talented pitchers will take a look at your materials and give you advice on how to deliver them to maximize their impact.

Session date: Thursday, April 27 from 1:00-2:30 PM ET

First come first served sign-up opens: Thursday, April 13 @ 12:00 PM ET

First come first served sign-up closes: Thursday, April 20 @ 5:00 PM ET

How to sign up: Sign-up for all meetings with Pitch Doctors is required in advance. 

To sign up, login to BANFFXchange using your personalized link and follow these instructions carefully by Thursday, April 20 at 5:00 PM ET:

  • In the nav box on the left, click on the Agenda tab and scroll down to select the Pitch Doctors session you most want to attend

  • To reserve a seat, click the Sign Up button

  • If there are no more seats available at that session, you will see a Session is Full message

  • If your plans change and you need to switch your session, simply click the Unselect button and make another selection

From Thursday, April 13 at 12:00 PM until Thursday, April 20 at 5:00 PM ET, you will also have an opportunity to add your name to a standby list and potentially meet with one additional Pitch Doctor. During the event, if any meeting slots become available due to no-shows, a Pitch Doctor will meet with a delegate on standby instead.


Attendees that have a Confirmed spot need to check in for their session at least 10 minutes before the start time by clicking the "Join session" button on the session page in their BANFFXchange agenda or via their BANFFXchange calendar. If you’re late, your spot might be given away to someone on the standby list.  

Attendees with a Standby spot should click on the "Join session" button for their selected standby session in BANFFXchange agenda or BANFFXchange calendar and check in at the session Zoom room no later than 10 minutes before the first pitching time in the session (unless they have a session with another host booked). Standby attendees should try to stay until the end of the session, in case the last meeting becomes available due to a no-show, or in case the host is able and willing to stay a little later to meet with them.  

For any additional questions, please contact bwmfcustomercare@brunico.com


Speaking


Sarah Quan

Executive in Charge of Development, Comedy

CBC

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Amanda Culkowski

Vice President, Music Program Development

MTV Networks International

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Tina Apostolopoulos-Moniz

VP Unscripted

Bell Media

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Pitch Doctors: Disney+ Canada, PBS KIDS, Nickelodeon Animation Studios
1:00 PM-2:30 PM

Perfect your pitch! In these 13-minute virtual consultation sessions, some of the industry’s most talented pitchers will take a look at your materials and give you advice on how to deliver them to maximize their impact.

Session date: Thursday, April 27 from 1:00-2:30 PM ET

First come first served sign-up opens: Thursday, April 13 @ 12:00 PM ET

First come first served sign-up closes: Thursday, April 20 @ 5:00 PM ET

How to sign up: Sign-up for all meetings with Pitch Doctors is required in advance. 

To sign up, login to BANFFXchange using your personalized link and follow these instructions carefully by Thursday, April 20 at 5:00 PM ET:

  • In the nav box on the left, click on the Agenda tab and scroll down to select the Pitch Doctors session you most want to attend

  • To reserve a seat, click the Sign Up button

  • If there are no more seats available at that session, you will see a Session is Full message

  • If your plans change and you need to switch your session, simply click the Unselect button and make another selection

From Thursday, April 13 at 12:00 PM until Thursday, April 20 at 5:00 PM ET, you will also have an opportunity to add your name to a standby list and potentially meet with one additional Pitch Doctor. During the event, if any meeting slots become available due to no-shows, a Pitch Doctor will meet with a delegate on standby instead.


Attendees that have a Confirmed spot need to check in for their session at least 10 minutes before the start time by clicking the "Join session" button on the session page in their BANFFXchange agenda or via their BANFFXchange calendar. If you’re late, your spot might be given away to someone on the standby list.  


Attendees with a Standby spot should click on the "Join session" button for their selected standby session in BANFFXchange agenda or BANFFXchange calendar and check in at the session Zoom room no later than 10 minutes before the first pitching time in the session (unless they have a session with another host booked). Standby attendees should try to stay until the end of the session, in case the last meeting becomes available due to a no-show, or in case the host is able and willing to stay a little later to meet with them.  

For any additional questions, please contact bwmfcustomercare@brunico.com


Speaking


Stephanie Azam

Director, Content Disney+ (Canada)

Disney ABC Television Group

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Kelley Gardner

VP, Current Series Animation

Nickelodeon Animation Studios

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Cathryn Asip

Associate Director, Content

PBS Kids

divider
Pitch Doctors: Eagle Vision, CBC Comedy, CBC Drama
1:00 PM-2:30 PM

Perfect your pitch! In these 13-minute virtual consultation sessions, some of the industry’s most talented pitchers will take a look at your materials and give you advice on how to deliver them to maximize their impact.

Session date: Thursday, April 27 from 1:00-2:30 PM ET

First come first served sign-up opens: Thursday, April 13 @ 12:00 PM ET

First come first served sign-up closes: Thursday, April 20 @ 5:00 PM ET

How to sign up: Sign-up for all meetings with Pitch Doctors is required in advance. 

To sign up, login to BANFFXchange using your personalized link and follow these instructions carefully by Thursday, April 20 at 5:00 PM ET:

  • In the nav box on the left, click on the Agenda tab and scroll down to select the Pitch Doctors session you most want to attend

  • To reserve a seat, click the Sign Up button

  • If there are no more seats available at that session, you will see a Session is Full message

  • If your plans change and you need to switch your session, simply click the Unselect button and make another selection

From Thursday, April 13 at 12:00 PM until Thursday, April 20 at 5:00 PM ET, you will also have an opportunity to add your name to a standby list and potentially meet with one additional Pitch Doctor. During the event, if any meeting slots become available due to no-shows, a Pitch Doctor will meet with a delegate on standby instead.


Attendees that have a Confirmed spot need to check in for their session at least 10 minutes before the start time by clicking the "Join session" button on the session page in their BANFFXchange agenda or via their BANFFXchange calendar. If you’re late, your spot might be given away to someone on the standby list.  

Attendees with a Standby spot should click on the "Join session" button for their selected standby session in BANFFXchange agenda or BANFFXchange calendar and check in at the session Zoom room no later than 10 minutes before the first pitching time in the session (unless they have a session with another host booked). Standby attendees should try to stay until the end of the session, in case the last meeting becomes available due to a no-show, or in case the host is able and willing to stay a little later to meet with them.  

For any additional questions, please contact bwmfcustomercare@brunico.com


Speaking


Lea Marin

Director of Development, Drama

CBC

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Greig Dymond

Director of Development, Comedy

CBC

divider

Rebecca Gibson

Partner

Eagle Vision

divider
Pitch Doctors: Mount Royal Films, A+E Networks, Hallmark Media
1:00 PM-2:30 PM

Perfect your pitch! In these 13-minute virtual consultation sessions, some of the industry’s most talented pitchers will take a look at your materials and give you advice on how to deliver them to maximize their impact.

Session date: Thursday, April 27 from 1:00-2:30 PM ET

First come first served sign-up opens: Thursday, April 13 @ 12:00 PM ET

First come first served sign-up closes: Thursday, April 20 @ 5:00 PM ET

How to sign up: Sign-up for all meetings with Pitch Doctors is required in advance. 

To sign up, login to BANFFXchange using your personalized link and follow these instructions carefully by Thursday, April 20 at 5:00 PM ET:

  • In the nav box on the left, click on the Agenda tab and scroll down to select the Pitch Doctors session you most want to attend

  • To reserve a seat, click the Sign Up button

  • If there are no more seats available at that session, you will see a Session is Full message

  • If your plans change and you need to switch your session, simply click the Unselect button and make another selection

From Thursday, April 13 at 12:00 PM until Thursday, April 20 at 5:00 PM ET, you will also have an opportunity to add your name to a standby list and potentially meet with one additional Pitch Doctor. During the event, if any meeting slots become available due to no-shows, a Pitch Doctor will meet with a delegate on standby instead.


Attendees that have a Confirmed spot need to check in for their session at least 10 minutes before the start time by clicking the "Join session" button on the session page in their BANFFXchange agenda or via their BANFFXchange calendar. If you’re late, your spot might be given away to someone on the standby list.  

Attendees with a Standby spot should click on the "Join session" button for their selected standby session in BANFFXchange agenda or BANFFXchange calendar and check in at the session Zoom room no later than 10 minutes before the first pitching time in the session (unless they have a session with another host booked). Standby attendees should try to stay until the end of the session, in case the last meeting becomes available due to a no-show, or in case the host is able and willing to stay a little later to meet with them.  

For any additional questions, please contact bwmfcustomercare@brunico.com


Speaking


Adam Steinman

EVP, Global Formats & Aquisitions

Walt Disney Television Alternative

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Marcie Hume

VP, Programming

A+E Networks

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Laura Gaines

VP, Original Co-Productions & Acquisitions

Hallmark Media

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Saturday, June 10


8:00 AM
Registration 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm (Curio Foyer)
8:00 AM-8:15 AM

Sunday, June 11


7:00 AM
Registration 7:00 am - 7:30 pm (Curio Foyer)
7:00 AM-7:15 AM
8:00 AM
Indigenous Screen Summit Pitch Forum: networking breakfast + opening ceremonies
Van Horne Ballroom
8:00 AM-9:30 AM

Speaking


Host

Adam Garnet Jones

Director of TV Content and Special Events

APTN - Aboriginal Peoples Television Network

divider
9:30 AM
Indigenous Screen Summit Pitch Forum #1: unscripted/documentary
Van Horne Ballroom
9:30 AM-10:30 AM

Five Indigenous producers present their unscripted/documentary projects and receive questions, comments, and expressions of interest from leading buyers, co-production partners, and funders.

Speaking


Host

Adam Garnet Jones

Director of TV Content and Special Events

APTN - Aboriginal Peoples Television Network

divider
Expert Commentator

Lauren Whitelaw

Head of Programming

OUTtv Network Inc

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Expert Commentator

Rachel Goldstein-Couto

Head of Development, Original Programming

Bell Media

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Expert Commentator

Llinos Wynne

Head Documentaries & Specialist Factual

S4C

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Saxon Decocq

Writer & Creative Producer

3 Story Pictures

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Expert Commentator

Alanis Obomsawin

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

NFB The National Film Board of Canada

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Expert Commentator

Jessica Schmiedchen

Director of Development, Unscripted Content

CBC

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Harold Joe

Producer

Orca Cove Media

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Nadia Mike

CEO/Producer

Umik Media Inc

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Paulette Moore

Filmmaker

The Aunties Dandelion

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Tanner Zurkoski

Writer, Creator, Producer

Two Hounds Media

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10:45 AM
Indigenous Screen Summit Pitch Forum #2: drama series
Van Horne Ballroom
10:45 AM-11:45 AM

Five Indigenous producers present their unscripted/documentary projects and receive questions, comments, and expressions of interest from leading buyers, co-production partners, and funders.

Speaking


Host

Adam Garnet Jones

Director of TV Content and Special Events

APTN - Aboriginal Peoples Television Network

divider
Expert Commentator

Lisa Meeches

Founder and Executive Producer

Eagle Vision

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Expert Commentator

Mal Stares

SVP, Global Scripted

Blink49 Studios

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Expert Commentator

Marina Di Pancrazio

Chief Content Revenue Officer

Just For Laughs Group

divider
Expert Commentator

Nua Finau

Co-Founder, Executive Producer and Showrunner

Tavake Ltd

divider
Expert Commentator

Tom Hastings

Head of Original Programming in Canada, Paramount+

Paramount

divider

Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers

Director, Producer

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Expert Commentator

Jean LaRose

CEO

Animiki See Distribution Inc

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Neegan Trudel

Director/Producer

Cayenne Medias

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Victoria Anderson-Gardner

Executive Producer

Howah Productions Inc.

divider

Tasha Hubbard

Filmmaker

Katawak Productions

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12:00 PM
Indigenous Screen Summit Pitch Forum #3: comedy series
Van Horne Ballroom
12:00 PM-1:00 PM

Five Indigenous producers present their unscripted/documentary projects and receive questions, comments, and expressions of interest from leading buyers, co-production partners, and funders.

Speaking


Host

Adam Garnet Jones

Director of TV Content and Special Events

APTN - Aboriginal Peoples Television Network

divider
Expert Commentator

Greig Dymond

Director of Development, Comedy

CBC

divider
Expert Commentator

Gwenllian Gravelle

Head of Drama

S4C International

divider

Megan McNeill

Artist, Filmmaker

Megan Nicole illustration

divider

Sage Daniels

Writer-Producer

Code Breaker Films

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Mary Galloway

Filmmaker

Bright Shadow Productions Inc

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Janet Rogers

Producer/Writer

Ojistoh Publishing and Productions

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Judy Iseke

Producer

Turquoise Sky Entertainment

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Expert Commentator

Nick Lee

Commercial Director, Drama & Comedy

Channel 4

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Expert Commentator

Tara Woodbury

Director, Content - Canada

Netflix-Toronto

divider
1:30 PM
Welcome to BANFF info session
Cascade
1:30 PM-2:15 PM

An informal information session designed to help you make the most of your time at BANFF 2022. Our team members will guide you through the festival features that'll help you meet your business goals. Drop in only. No advance sign-up required.


2:30 PM
30 minutes with... Justin Rutsky, Netflix
Theatre
2:30 PM-3:00 PM

Hear the programming needs and priorities of major content investors first-hand and participate in live Q&A. No advance sign-up required. Space will be filled on site, on a first come, first seated basis until we hit room capacity. Sessions are closed to press.

Speaking


Justin Rutsky

Director, Nonfiction Original Series

Netflix

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3:00 PM
BANFF opening session
Cascade
3:00 PM-3:30 PM

Join us for a lineup of special guests who will help open the 2023 edition of the Banff World Media Festival.

3:30 PM
Defining Canadian Content: The future of the industry
Cascade
3:30 PM-4:30 PM

PARTNER PRESENTATION: Join the Canada Media Fund (CMF) and a cross-section of Canadian industry voices for a first look at preliminary insights from the CMF’s #CanConDef research initiative, which includes a national survey, detailed ethnographic interviews, and a series of workshops on how the definition of Canadian content could evolve with the new Broadcasting Act. With specifics on how to implement the modernized Act still to come, this is an imperative conversation about the future of the industry. Don’t miss this opening session to set the stage for BANFF 2023.


Speaking


Catalina Briceno

Partner

La société des demains

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Sasha Leigh Henry

Showrunner, Director

Admiral Productions + Sunflower Studios

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Christina Jennings

Chairman & President

Shaftesbury

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Tom Hastings

Head of Original Programming in Canada, Paramount+

Paramount

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Stacey Aglok MacDonald

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

Red Marrow Media

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Philippe Lamarre

President

URBANIA

divider

Valerie Creighton

President & CEO

Canada Media Fund

divider
4:45 PM
Int’l Media Leaders: big bang theories
Cascade
4:45 PM-5:30 PM

The techtonic plates of the international media industry continue to shift amid seismic change in the business, morphing content trends, social and political upheaval, economic factors and unstoppable technological advancements. From strategic M&A to running a global streamer to creating mega-hits, each of these media leaders, an innovator in their own right, is charting a bold path. Join us for this exclusive discussion revealing views on the latest trends, current challenges and what it takes to navigate what’s next in media.


Speaking


Elaine Low

Staff Writer

The Ankler

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Antony Fraser

Managing Director

ACF Investment Bank

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Juan Ponce

SVP

NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises

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Odetta Watkins

Head, Drama Series

Amazon Studios

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Patrick Vien

Group Managing Director, International

A+E Networks

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Kevin Johnson

CEO GroupM Canada, President of WPP in Canada

GroupM Canada

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5:30 PM
CBC: It's a Canada Thing - Opening Night Reception 5:30pm - 7:30pm (Cascade/Riverview)
5:30 PM-7:30 PM

CBC welcomes you to kick off Banff 2023 and reconnect with colleagues and friends from around the world while celebrating original Canadian storytelling. 

Bar and Cocktails provided by: Shaftesbury

Monday, June 12


7:15 AM
Registration 7:30 am - 6:00 pm (Curio Foyer)
7:15 AM-7:30 AM
7:30 AM
CBC Breakfast: telling Canada's stories
Mount Stephen Hall
7:30 AM-9:00 AM

With opening remarks by EVP Barbara Williams, join CBC for a candid conversation about the importance of original storytelling in Canada and the journey to reflect more voices and perspectives, featuring the co-creators of CBC's new Arctic comedy and factual entertainment series Bollywed.

*Please note there will be limited seating. Guests will be seated on a first-come, first-seated basis.

Speaking


Stacey Aglok MacDonald

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

Red Marrow Media

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Alethea Arnaquq-Baril

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

Red Marrow Media

divider

Sally Catto

General Manager, Entertainment, Factual and Sports

CBC

divider

Jordan Pinto

North American Editor

C21 Media

divider

Carolyn Meland

President & Executive Producer

HeartHat Entertainment

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Gurjeet S. Mann

Executive Producer

HeartHat Entertainment

divider

Barbara Williams

Executive Vice-President

CBC

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9:00 AM
An address from the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage
Cascade
9:00 AM-9:25 AM

Kick off the first full day of BANFF 2023 with a keynote address from the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Quebec Lieutenant.


Speaking


Pablo Rodriguez

Minister of Canadian Heritage

Canadian Heritage

divider
Topic Tables
Alhambra
9:00 AM-9:30 AM

*Drop in on site - no previous sign up required 

*Hosted in William F White Int'l group networking hub

These 30-minute informal sessions are a great way to add to your network by connecting with the right people. Join these guided conversations to gain insight into topics including co-productions, financing, sustainability and more! Up to 5-6 delegates can join a topic table at one time and are invited to move from one table to another as space allows.


TOPIC: Climate & Sustainability On Screen

Cyle Zezo (Board of Advisors - Hollywood Climate Summit)   


TOPIC: New Financing Models

Richard Jean-Baptiste (Attraction)  


TOPIC: Selling in the US: Windowing 101

Bryan Gabourie (Blue Ant International) 


TOPIC: Explore Streaming Distribution

Mary-Anne Taylor (Roku) 


TOPIC: Accessing Virtual Production

Käroli Grenman (Virtual Production House) 


TOPIC: The Future of Canadian Comedy

Bill Lundy (New Metric Media) 


TOPIC: Creative Collaboration in Development and Pre-development

Jay Wu (Bell Media) 


TOPIC: AI Fake Drake and the Fallout for Copyright and Creatives

Gregory Pang (Red Frame Law) 


TOPIC:Sustainability & Decarbonization

Melanie Windle (Sustainable Entertainment Society) 

 

TOPIC: The Power of Music in Your Projects

Nora Felder (Music Supervisor - Stranger Things, Yellowjackets) 


TOPIC: Treaty vs. Commercial Co-Pros

Alex Lalonde (Amaze) 


TOPIC: Negotiating Content Sales

Doug Smith (Paramount Global - Canada)


TOPIC: True Crime Programming

Catherine Casey (Amazon Studios)

 

TOPIC: Budgeting for Diversity

Safia Abdigir (Reelworld Screen Institute) 


NOTE: We acknowledge there's an ongoing labour dispute between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). If you are participating in meetings or planning on pitching, we encourage you to abide by the guidelines of any union or guild affiliations you may have.

Speaking


Table host

Bill Lundy

SVP Comedy

New Metric Media

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Table host

Catherine Casey

Senior Creative Executive Global Unscripted Formats

Amazon Studios

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Table host

Gregory Pang

Lawyer

RedFrame Law

divider
Table host

Nora Felder

Music Supervisor/Executive Music Producer/Producer

Picture Music Company

divider
Table host

Cyle Zezo

President

Solarpunk Village

divider
Table host

Tiara Johnny

Producer

Reelworld Screen Institute

divider
Table host

Richard Jean-Baptiste

VP, Business Innovation & Executive Producer

Attraction

divider
Table host

Bryan Gabourie

SVP, International Sales and Partnerships, Americas, Blue Ant Studios

Blue Ant International

divider
Table host

Jay Carolyn Wu

Head of Development

Bell Media

divider
Table host

Safia Abdigir

Program Director

Reelworld Screen Institute

divider
Table host

Alex Lalonde

Chief Operating Officer

Amaze

divider
Table host

Doug Smith

SVP Streaming & Content Licensing - Paramount Global - Canada

Paramount

divider
Table host

Mary-Anne Taylor

Head of Content Distribution, Canada

Roku

divider
Table host

Käroli Grenman

Head of Operations, Producer

Virtual Production House by The Other End

divider
Table host

Melanie Windle

Executive Director

Sustainable Entertainment Society

divider
9:25 AM
Keynote speech: Vicky Eatrides, Chairperson and CEO, CRTC
Cascade
9:25 AM-9:45 AM

In one of her first addresses to the Canadian film and TV industry, the CRTC’s new Chairperson and CEO will speak to the work currently underway to modernize Canada’s broadcasting system.

Speaking


Vicky Eatrides

Chairperson and CEO

CRTC Canadian Radio Television & Telecommunications Commissions

divider
10:00 AM
Canada: state of the nation
Cascade
10:00 AM-10:45 AM

Expectations are high as our industry is on the precipice of even more dramatic change. Join us for one of the most hotly anticipated sessions each year where leaders at some of the biggest media companies operating in Canada reveal their vision for the future and address pressing questions about what it will take to ensure a thriving domestic media sector.


Speaking


Hayden Mindell

Senior Vice President of Television

Rogers Sports & Media

divider

Andrew Peterson

Head of Canada

YouTube

divider

Jamie Schouela

COO

Blue Ant Media Inc

divider

Brad Danks

CEO

OUTtv Network Inc

divider

Victoria Ahearn

n/a

Playback

divider

Barbara Williams

Executive Vice-President

CBC

divider

Troy Reeb

Co-CEO

Corus Entertainment Inc

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Speed Meetings with Buyers
Presidents Hall
10:00 AM-11:00 AM

Advance sign-up was required via lottery, see networking page for more details.

Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Speed Meetings should arrive at the session room 30 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late for your scheduled time slot will result in losing your spot to the wait line.

If you did not secure a Speed Meetings spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Speed Meetings with Buyers is in a NEW LOCATION, on the Conference Centre side. Give yourself extra time to make your way over from the Hotel side so that you are not late for your scheduled meeting.

BANFF’s Speed Meetings with Buyers are a fantastic opportunity for content creators and producers to meet one-on-one with leading program buyers and funders. This is your opportunity to connect with partners who can help take your screen-based project to the next stage.

Specifically designed to be 8-minute time slots, with a 2-minute transition time between meetings, this program has facilitated thousands of partnerships and has led to millions of dollars in new content.

NOTE: We acknowledge there's an ongoing labour dispute between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). If you are participating in meetings or planning on pitching, we encourage you to abide by the guidelines of any union or guild affiliations you may have.

Speaking


Table host

Katrina Kowalski

Senior Vice President, International Content Programming and Acquisitions for Pluto TV

Paramount

divider
Table host

Lauren Whitelaw

Head of Programming

OUTtv Network Inc

divider
Table host

Benjamin Thornton

Development Executive

Warner Bros. Discovery

divider
Table host

Lisa Ducharme

Director of Online Content & Deliverables

APTN Aboriginal Peoples Television Network Inc.

divider
Table host

Gwenllian Gravelle

Head of Drama

S4C International

divider
Table host

Llinos Wynne

Head Documentaries & Specialist Factual

S4C

divider
Table host

Lauren Frasca

SVP, Content & Strategy, Magnolia Network

Magnolia Network - Warner Bros. Discovery

divider
Table host

Aubrey Clarke

Commissioning Executive | BBC Children’s 7+

BBC

divider
Table host

Laura Gaines

VP, Original Co-Productions & Acquisitions

Hallmark Media

divider
Table host

Jessica Callahan

Vice President, Development

Hallmark Media

divider
Table host

Jennifer Kramer

Vice President, Development

Hallmark Media

divider
Table host

Michele Zatta

Commissioning Editor in Charge of International Co-productions

RAI Fiction - RAI - Radiotelevisione Italiana

divider
Table host

Drew Mullin

Executive in Charge of Production, Kids

CBC

divider
Table host

Nick Lee

Commercial Director, Drama & Comedy

Channel 4

divider
Table host

Polly Scates

Head of Acquisitions

Channel 4

divider
Table host

Jessica Schmiedchen

Director of Development, Unscripted Content

CBC

divider
Table host

Jennifer Liang

Head of Acquisitions

Topic

divider
Table host

Bart Fisher

VP, Development - Programming

Hallmark Media

divider
Table host

Angela Polk

Vice President, Development

Hallmark Media

divider
10:30 AM
Meet a Distributor
Alhambra
10:30 AM-11:00 AM

*Advance sign up was required, see networking page for more details

*Hosted in William F White Int'l group networking hub

Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Meet a Distributor should arrive at the session room 20-30 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late will result in losing your spot to the wait line. 

If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

These 30-minute sessions are informal affairs designed to connect delegates with top distributors in a small group setting. These sessions are not about pitching. They are opportunities to network, discuss trends and to spark potential partnerships. Find out what these industry experts can offer you and your business.

NOTE: We acknowledge there's an ongoing labour dispute between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). If you are participating in meetings or planning on pitching, we encourage you to abide by the guidelines of any union or guild affiliations you may have.

Speaking


Table host

Simon Cox

EVP Content & Acquisitions

Banijay Rights

divider
Table host

Nick Solowski

Vice President, International Sales

Blue Ant Media Inc

divider
Table host

Jean LaRose

CEO

Animiki See Distribution Inc

divider
Table host

Richard Life

SVP, Acquisitions & Co-Productions

Cineflix Rights

divider
Table host

Cathy Hare

Director of Acquisitions North America

Entertainment One Television International

divider
Table host

Greg Rubidge

President

Syndicado

divider
Table host

Dylan Casella

Director - Acquisitions, Distribution & Editorial Curation

Off the Fence

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Table host

Brook Peters

SVP, Sales & Business Development

Incendo

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Table host

Courtney Fitzpatrick

Vice President of Distribution & Content Strategy

Lionsgate Entertainment

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Table host

Jodi Mackie

Sr. Director, Content Sales & Co-Productions

BBC Studios Canada

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Table host

Nadia Paulos

Senior Director of Distribution Operations

Fremantle

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Table host

Kate Sanagan

Head of Sales & Distribution

Sinking Ship Entertainment

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11:00 AM
Master Class: Club Illico’s Mégantic
Cascade
11:00 AM-11:45 AM

Mégantic is inspired by the real events of the 2013 train tragedy involving the largest onshore oil spill in North America. Join Showrunner and Producer Sophie Lorain and Director Alexis Durand Brault as they discuss the Club illico series, which follows the destinies of Méganticois marked by grief and trauma, but also by solidarity, courage and heroism.


Speaking


Sophie Lorain

Producer/Showrunner

ALSO

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Cynthia Kennedy

President

Incendo

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Alexis Durand-Brault

Director

ALSO

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Maximize the Value of Your IP on YouTube
Mount Stephen Hall
11:00 AM-11:45 AM

PARTNER PRESENTATION: Creators, producers and directors have similar goals: to share their stories with the world while maximizing the full value of their IP. This panel will cover ways to extend the value of your content long after it’s been ‘shelved’, develop an engaged fanbase who are hungry for more from your library and launch new programming to audiences worldwide. Networks, producers, and creators will hear from industry leaders on tried and tested approaches, and the various opportunities that YouTube can offer for global content distribution.


Speaking


Stephanie Wilson Chapin

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

YouTube

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Morgan Greco

Senior Vice President, Digital Business Development

A+E Networks

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Steven He

Comedian, Actor, Producer and YouTuber

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30 minutes with... Samantha Linton, Blue Ant Media
Theatre
11:00 AM-11:30 AM

Hear the programming needs and priorities of major content investors first-hand and participate in live Q&A. No advance sign-up required. Space will be filled on site, on a first come, first seated basis until we hit room capacity. Sessions are closed to press.

Speaking


Sam Linton

VP, Production and Development, Global Media

Blue Ant Media Inc

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12:00 PM
Writer Superpanel: strike edition
Cascade
12:00 PM-12:45 PM

A discussion on the current WGA strike and issues facing the future of the creative side of the business with some of the industry’s top showrunners and writers.


Speaking


Adele Lim

Writer-Producer and Director

Writer, Director

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Elan Mastai

Writer

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Kara Brown

Writer, Executive Producer

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Manori Ravindran

London Correspondent

Variety

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YouTube Presents: A Masterclass in Monetization (Ivor Petrak)
Alhambra
12:00 PM-12:45 PM

As producers and content creators determine the best global strategy to distribute their projects, it’s important to consider every distribution avenue, so that no one is leaving money on the table. This hands-on workshop will cover various monetization strategies and tangible tactics available on YouTube for everyone from media conglomerates to local creators. Advance registration is required as spots are limited.

Speaking


Stephanie Wilson Chapin

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

YouTube

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Pat Atkins

Strategic Partner Lead, TV & Film, YouTube US

YouTube

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CREATOR CONNECTIONS WITH WILLIAM F. WHITE INT’L
Alhambra
12:00 PM-12:30 PM

Calling all creatives, grab your lunch and network with diverse talent from around the globe. The team from WFW will be there to answer any questions you may have regarding production and how it relates to your creative journey.


* There are two places to buy your Grab & Go lunches: in the Oval Room beside the Crave Riverview Lounge and in the Alberta/New Brunswick Meeting Space. Available Monday & Tuesday 11:00AM - 2:00PM.

Virtual Production Demo : Summer Vista (Alberta Film Commission Virtual Production Volume, Conference Centre)
Van Horne Ballroom
12:00 PM-12:30 PM

Virtual Production Volume provided & powered by Northern Gateway Films. This demo uses real-time camera tracking to match the perspective of the camera lens to recreate parallax and depth of field on the LED volume. The environment is created in Unreal Engine which offers great flexibility and control over the elements. Come check us out in the Conference Center and chat with the techs and producers about what possibilities exist for virtual production in Alberta.

12:30 PM
Spotlight: Roku
Mount Stephen Hall
12:30 PM-1:15 PM

Join us for a conversation with Roku’s David Eilenberg, Jennifer Vaux, and Brian Tannenbaum,as David dives into his new role as Head of Content, and the Roku team shares insights on its recently revamped content team. Explore how Roku Media is forming its strategic shape and learn more about The Roku Channel Canada’s role within this broader strategy. The discussion will also focus on Roku Media’s core business elements including scripted, non-scripted, and content acquisition, as well as the content team’s vision and windowing strategies for key content. There may also be exciting updates on a few The Roku Channel Canadian favourites.

Speaking


Brian Tannenbaum

Head of Originals

Roku

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David Eilenberg

Creative Director

Roku

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Jordan Pinto

North American Editor

C21 Media

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Jennifer Vaux

VP, Content Acquisition & Programming

Roku

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1:00 PM
Moving the dial forward for underrepresented communities in entertainment - successes and continued growth
Cascade
1:00 PM-1:45 PM

Real progress is more than just a seat at the table. Leaders and program participants from the Black Screen Office, NBCU Launch and Reelworld Screen Institute sit down to weigh in on how organizations can truly make an impact for underrepresented communities in the industry today and what needs to be done to create lasting change for future generations.

Speaking


Tonya Williams

Founder & Executive Director

Reelworld Screen Institute

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Thea Loo

Producer

No More Productions Inc

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Sina Sultani

Writer | Director | Producer (p.g.a.)

Photocell Productions

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Kathleen Newman-Bremang

Deputy Editor, Global

Refinery29 Unbothered

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Joan Jenkinson

Co-Founder and CEO

Black Screen Office

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Kelly-Ann Jones

Senior Manager, Audience Research

Canada Media Fund

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Alexis McLaren

Development Executive, Original Programming, Scripted & Unscripted

Bell Media

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Tayo Amos

Filmmaker

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Robert Baltazar

Vice President, TV Programming DEI, NBCU Launch

NBCUniversal

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1:30 PM
Home reno-ssance: what’s hot in property
Mount Stephen Hall
1:30 PM-2:15 PM

What is it about renovation shows that we love so much? Join top property series buyers and producers as they discuss what it takes to “build” a home reno hit in today’s landscape, where the genre is headed, and why getting a sneak peek into people’s homes is so captivating.


Speaking


Lauren Frasca

SVP, Content & Strategy, Magnolia Network

Magnolia Network - Warner Bros. Discovery

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CJ Yu

Founder

Amazon Studios

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Josie Crimi

EVP Development and Production

Scott Brothers Entertainment

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Vibika Bianchi

Executive Producer

Catalyst

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Scott McGillivray

CEO

MEM Inc

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J.C. Mills

President and Head of Content

Cineflix Productions

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Meet a Decision Maker
Alhambra
1:30 PM-2:00 PM

*Advance sign up was required, see networking page for more details

*Hosted in William F White Int'l group networking hub

Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Meet a Decision Maker should arrive at the session room 20-30 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late will result in losing your spot to the wait line. 

If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

These 30-minute sessions are informal affairs designed to connect delegates with broadcasters, streamers, producers and development executives in a small-group setting. These sessions are not about pitching. They are opportunities to network, discuss trends and spark potential partnerships.

NOTE: We acknowledge there's an ongoing labour dispute between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). If you are participating in meetings or planning on pitching, we encourage you to abide by the guidelines of any union or guild affiliations you may have.

Speaking


Table host

Stefania Scarfo

Sr Manager, Head of Content Planning & Strategy, Paramount+ Canada

Paramount+ Canada

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Table host

Valerie Creighton

President & CEO

Canada Media Fund

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Table host

Angela Polk

Vice President, Development

Hallmark Media

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Table host

Lisa Meeches

Founder and Executive Producer

Eagle Vision

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Table host

Julie Bristow

Founder

Catalyst

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Table host

Melanie Windle

Executive Director

Sustainable Entertainment Society

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Table host

Brad Schwartz

President

The CW Television Network

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Table host

Benjamin Tappan

President, Production

Walden Media

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Table host

Kelly Garrett

Vice President, Development

Hallmark Media

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Table host

Jessica Schmiedchen

Director of Development, Unscripted Content

CBC

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Table host

Lea Marin

Director of Development, Drama

CBC

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Table host

Chris Fry

Group Chief Operating Officer and Group Chief Financial Officer

Sister Pictures

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Table host

Bart Fisher

VP, Development - Programming

Hallmark Media

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Brenda Gilbert

Co-Founder of BRON Media

BRON Media Corporation

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Speed Meetings with Buyers
Presidents Hall
1:30 PM-2:30 PM

Advance sign-up iwas required via lottery, see networking page for more details. 

Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Speed Meetings should arrive at the session room 30 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late for your scheduled time slot will result in losing your spot to the wait line.

If you did not secure a Speed Meetings spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Speed Meetings with Buyers is in a NEW LOCATION, on the Conference Centre side. Give yourself extra time to make your way over from the Hotel side so that you are not late for your scheduled meeting.

BANFF’s Speed Meetings with Buyers are a fantastic opportunity for content creators and producers to meet one-on-one with leading program buyers and funders. This is your opportunity to connect with partners who can help take your screen-based project to the next stage.

Specifically designed to be 8-minute time slots, with a 2-minute transition time between meetings, this program has facilitated thousands of partnerships and has led to millions of dollars in new content.

NOTE: We acknowledge there's an ongoing labour dispute between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). If you are participating in meetings or planning on pitching, we encourage you to abide by the guidelines of any union or guild affiliations you may have.

Speaking


Table host

Cara Nye

Director, Content Development & Production

Accessible Media Inc.

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Table host

Paige Murray

Executive in Charge of Development, Drama

CBC

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Table host

Aubrey Clarke

Commissioning Executive | BBC Children’s 7+

BBC

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Table host

Juan Ponce

SVP

NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises

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Table host

Jodi Mackie

Sr. Director, Content Sales & Co-Productions

BBC Studios Canada

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Table host

Nick Lee

Commercial Director, Drama & Comedy

Channel 4

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Table host

Polly Scates

Head of Acquisitions

Channel 4

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Table host

Tara Woodbury

Director, Content - Canada

Netflix-Toronto

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Table host

Kathleen Meek

VP, Development

Corus Entertainment Inc

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Table host

Lauren Whitelaw

Head of Programming

OUTtv Network Inc

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Table host

Laura Gaines

VP, Original Co-Productions & Acquisitions

Hallmark Media

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Table host

Jennifer Kramer

Vice President, Development

Hallmark Media

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Table host

Greig Dymond

Director of Development, Comedy

CBC

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Table host

Sarah Fowlie

Head of Production, Original Programming

Bell Media

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Table host

Jennifer Liang

Head of Acquisitions

Topic

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Table host

Beth Iley

VP, International Series Development & Executive Producer

Amazon Studios

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Table host

Marianne Lambert

Directrice Principale Contenus/Senior Director of Content

TFO

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2:00 PM
Summit Series: Jennifer Mullin, CEO, Fremantle
Cascade
2:00 PM-2:45 PM

One of the most powerful women in global content, Jennifer Mullin oversees a business that achieved revenues of €2.3 billion (US$2.44 billion) in 2022. Fremantle (part of the RTL Group), is one of the biggest production companies in the world, the creative engine behind iconic entertainment franchises such as Idol, Got Talent, and Family Feud as well as high-end global drama and film output, producing the likes of Bones and All, My Brilliant Friend, The Responder and Academy-award nominated The Hand of God. Fremantle has grown its global footprint through strategic M&A activity and high-profile creative talent partnerships with the likes of Angelina Jolie, Edward Berger, Paolo Sorrentino and Michael Winterbottom, and under Mullin’s leadership as Fremantle’s first American head, ambitious plans are also afoot to continue growth in the documentary space. 

Speaking


Jenn Kuzmyk

Executive Director - BANFF, Publisher - Playback

Brunico Communications Ltd.

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Jennifer Mullin

Chief Executive Officer

Fremantle

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2:30 PM
Spotlight: Blue Ant Media
Mount Stephen Hall
2:30 PM-3:15 PM

BANFF’s Spotlight sessions are designed to give executives at the world's most exciting content platforms the stage to reveal their programming priorities and needs. Executives will reveal everything producers need to know – what they are looking for in content, what's working and what's not and how best to engage with them – and delegates can participate in a Q&A at the end.

Speaking


Jamie Schouela

COO

Blue Ant Media Inc

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Laura Michalchyshyn

Executive Producer

Blue Ant Media

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Solange Attwood

CEO & Co-Founder

Blue Ant Media Inc

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Manori Ravindran

London Correspondent

Variety

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Virtual Production Demo: Interior Office (Alberta Film Commission Virtual Production Volume, Conference Centre)
Van Horne Ballroom
2:30 PM-3:00 PM
3:00 PM
Trends in scripted programming
Cascade
3:00 PM-3:45 PM

In a world of nonstop premieres and ever-increasing competition, how do you produce a show that creates a cult following and sets up for a second season? Hear from major producers, studios, streamers and agents on how they are strategizing to navigate change, how to get noticed in an era of great series, and where the opportunities lie for new stories, new approaches and new IP that has the capacity to break out.

Speaking


Jacqueline Sacerio

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

Entertainment One Television

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Teza Lawrence

Executive Producer/Co-Owner

Amaze

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John Elmes

Deputy News Editor & International Editor

Broadcast

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Chris Fry

Group Chief Operating Officer and Group Chief Financial Officer

Sister Pictures

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Bryan Seabury

Executive Vice President and Head, Content Strategy & Drama Development

CBS Studios

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Barry Jossen

President, A+E Studios

A+E Studios

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30 minutes with... Jessica Schmiedchen, CBC Factual Entertainment
Theatre
3:00 PM-3:30 PM

Hear the programming needs and priorities of major content investors first-hand and participate in live Q&A. No advance sign-up required. Space will be filled on site, on a first come, first seated basis until we hit room capacity. Sessions are closed to press.

Speaking


Jessica Schmiedchen

Director of Development, Unscripted Content

CBC

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Meet an Agent
Alhambra
3:00 PM-3:30 PM

*Advance sign up was required, see networking page for more details

*Hosted in William F White Int'l group networking hub

Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Meet an Agent should arrive at the session room 20-30 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late will result in losing your spot to the wait line. 

If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

These 30-minute sessions are informal affairs designed to connect delegates with top agents in a small group setting. These sessions are not about pitching. They are opportunities to network, discuss trends and spark potential partnerships. Find out what these industry experts can offer you and your business.

NOTE: We acknowledge there's an ongoing labour dispute between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). If you are participating in meetings or planning on pitching, we encourage you to abide by the guidelines of any union or guild affiliations you may have.

Speaking


Table host

Jennifer Hollyer

Agent

The Jennifer Hollyer Agency

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Table host

Michael Gordon

TV Scripted Agent

CAA Creative Artists Agency

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Table host

Tiauna Jackson

Agent, Producer, Distributor

The Jackson Agency

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Table host

Dan Norton

Agent

CAA Creative Artists Agency

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Table host

Sohrab Merchant

Literary Agent

The Characters Talent Agency

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Table host

Kulbinder Saran Caldwell

CEO & Founder

Reallife Pictures Inc.

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Table host

Kerry Ball

Literary Agent and Head of Development

Meridian Artists Inc

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Table host

Larry Shuman

President/Literary Manager

The Shuman Company

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Table host

Adam Levine

Co-Founder/Partner

VERVE

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Table host

Tyler Reynolds

Partner and Head, Television Directing

VERVE

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4:00 PM
In Conversation With: Killing It’s Craig Robinson and Claudia O'Doherty
Cascade
4:00 PM-4:45 PM

Join this year’s Rockie Awards Gala Host Craig Robinson to discuss all things comedy with his castmate Claudia O’Doherty from Peacock’s hit comedy series, Killing It.

From the creative minds behind Brooklyn Nine-Nine Dan Goor and Luke Del Tredici, Killing It is a comedy about class, capitalism, and one man’s quest to achieve the American Dream. But first he has to overcome vicious criminals, nature run wild, and worst of all, corporate America.

Speaking


Craig Robinson

Star and Executive Producer, Killing It

Universal Studio Group

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John Elmes

Deputy News Editor & International Editor

Broadcast

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Claudia O'Doherty

Actress and Comedian

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Global partnerships: we’re all in this together
Mount Stephen Hall
4:00 PM-4:45 PM

Hits spanning a global scale are at an all-time high. But how do you strategize financing and creative development to achieve success?  These leading producers and distributors from around the world reveal their take on creating innovative and productive international partnerships. How have approaches evolved to meet current market realities?


Speaking


Deniese Davis

Founder and CEO

Reform Media Group

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Richard Middleton

Head of Content, International

TBI Magazine

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Nua Finau

Co-Founder, Executive Producer and Showrunner

Tavake Ltd

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Simon Cox

EVP Content & Acquisitions

Banijay Rights

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Carlyn Klebuc

General Manager, Original Programming

Bell Media

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Elise Cousineau

VP Development, English Scripted Content

Sphere Media Toronto

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30 minutes with... Tom Hastings, Katrina Kowalski and Stefania Scarfo, Paramount+ Canada
Theatre
4:00 PM-4:30 PM

Hear the programming needs and priorities of major content investors first-hand and participate in live Q&A. No advance sign-up required. Space will be filled on site, on a first come, first seated basis until we hit room capacity. Sessions are closed to press.

Speaking


Tom Hastings

Head of Original Programming in Canada, Paramount+

Paramount

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Katrina Kowalski

Senior Vice President, International Content Programming and Acquisitions for Pluto TV

Paramount

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Stefania Scarfo

Sr Manager, Head of Content Planning & Strategy, Paramount+ Canada

Paramount+ Canada

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4:30 PM
Alberta Film and Television Meet and Greet (Alberta Film Commission Virtual Production Volume, Conference Centre)
Van Horne Ballroom
4:30 PM-5:00 PM

Join the Alberta Film and Television industry to make connections! Alberta creators, regional film commissions and key industry partners will gather to celebrate and showcase the growth and development of the industry in Alberta.


5:00 PM
Rockie Awards International Program Competition cocktails + show (Van Horne Ballroom)
5:00 PM-7:00 PM

Please note there will be limited seating. Guests will be seated on a first come, first seated basis.

Join us for cocktails and snacks! Meet and celebrate this year’s nominees representing the best in global content. Winners from around the world will then be revealed during the live show.

All BANFF delegates are welcome. Attire: Business casual.

Speaking


Host

Crystle Lightning

Actor

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Host

Henry Andrade

MC RedCloud

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9:00 PM
Paramount+ Lodge Party (9:00PM - 1:00AM) (Location: Mount View BBQ)
9:00 PM-10:00 PM

The legendary BANFF BBQ is being transformed into Paramount+ Lodge for an epic late-night party! Join us for “A Mountain of Entertainment” featuring open fire pits, food, drinks, and dancing at the foot of the Canadian Rockies.

Buses will depart for the Paramount + Lodge starting at 8:30 pm from the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel. There will be a second pick up location downtown at the commercial parking lot behind the Mount Royal Hotel (the Corner of Beaver Street and Caribou Street). Buses will run continuously on a loop every 10 minutes from 8:30 pm until 1:00 am.

DRESS TO IMPRESS/DECOMPRESS: Wear your best plaid ensemble to the lodge.

Tuesday, June 13


8:00 AM
Registration 8:00 am - 6:00 pm (Curio Foyer)
8:00 AM-8:15 AM
9:00 AM
Master Class: Robyn Hood
Cascade
9:00 AM-9:45 AM

From Corus Entertainment and Boat Rocker, Global original scripted series, Robyn Hood, is a contemporary reimagining of the Robin Hood legend co-created by director Julien Christian Lutz pka Director X and writer Chris Roberts. Featuring a dynamic panel including Director X, series star Jessye Romeo (Robyn Loxley), Corus Entertainment and Boat Rocker, don’t miss this engaging conversation as they preview the retelling of the heroic tale coming to Global this summer.


Speaking


Kathleen Newman-Bremang

Deputy Editor, Global

Refinery29 Unbothered

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Jessye Romeo

Actress and Writer

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Kerry Appleyard

Senior Vice President, Scripted & Unscripted, Television

Boat Rocker Studios

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Kathleen Meek

VP, Development

Corus Entertainment Inc

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Director X

Founder

Creative Rain

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Topic Tables
Alhambra
9:00 AM-9:30 AM

*Drop in on site - no previous sign up required 

*Hosted in William F White Int'l group networking hub

These 30-minute informal sessions are a great way to add to your network by connecting with the right people. Join these guided conversations to gain insight into topics including co-productions, financing, sustainability and more! Up to 5-6 delegates can join a topic table at one time and are invited to move from one table to another as space allows.

NOTE: We acknowledge there's an ongoing labour dispute between the Writer's Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). If you are participating in meetings or planning on pitching, we encourage you to abide by the guidelines of any union or guild affiliations you may have.


TOPIC: Accessing Virtual Production

Käroli Grenman (Virtual Production House) 


TOPIC: Creative Collaboration in Development and Pre-development

Jay Wu (Bell Media) 


TOPIC: AI Fake Drake and the Fallout for Copyright and Creatives

Gregory Pang (Red Frame Law) 


TOPIC: Unscripted Co-Production Trends

Benjamin Thornton (Warner Bros. Discovery) 


TOPIC: Sustainability & Decarbonization

Andrew Robinson (Green Spark) 


TOPIC: Mentorship

Ashley Williams (Hallmark Media) 


TOPIC: Canadian Funding

Susan Makela (Paramount+ and Pluto TV) 


TOPIC: Canadian Funding + the Global Audience

Simon Faber (Taiga Pictures)


TOPIC: Content Collaboration in Scripted Television

Chris Bell (eOne)

 

TOPIC: Adapting IP

Andrew Kelly (eOne)


TOPIC: Budgeting for Diversity

Safia Abdigir (Reelworld Screen Institute) 


TOPIC: International Co-Productions

Rob Aslett (Avalon Television)


NOTE: We acknowledge there's an ongoing labour dispute between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). If you are participating in meetings or planning on pitching, we encourage you to abide by the guidelines of any union or guild affiliations you may have.

Speaking


Table host

Susan Makela

Sr Director, Acquisitions, Rights & Inventory

Paramount

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Table host

Simon Faber

Founder & Producer

Taiga Pictures

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Table host

Chris Bell

Scripted Content

Entertainment One Television International

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Table host

Andrew Kelly

Vice President, Scripted Development, Television

Entertainment One Television Productions Ltd.

divider
Table host

Safia Abdigir

Program Director

Reelworld Screen Institute

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Table host

Rob Aslett

Company Director, Artist Manager and Executive Producer

Avalon Television

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Table host

Benjamin Thornton

Development Executive

Warner Bros. Discovery

divider
Table host

Andrew Robinson

Principal, Sustainability Strategy and Engagement

Green Spark Group

divider
Table host

Tiara Johnny

Producer

Reelworld Screen Institute

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Table host

Gregory Pang

Lawyer

RedFrame Law

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Table host

Jay Carolyn Wu

Head of Development

Bell Media

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Table host

Ashley Williams

Director

Hallmark Media

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Table host

Käroli Grenman

Head of Operations, Producer

Virtual Production House by The Other End

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Calgary Economic Development announcement (Alberta Film Commission Virtual Production Volume, Conference Centre)
Van Horne Ballroom
9:00 AM-9:30 AM

Join Calgary Economic Development’s Erin O’Connor and Tori Romano for a snapshot of the work being done alongside partners at the Edmonton Screen Industries Office to develop Alberta’s talent and grow the animation and VFX industry in the province.

10:00 AM
In Conversation With: Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, Co-Founders, World of Wonder
Cascade
10:00 AM-10:45 AM

World of Wonder co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato sit down to talk about the enormous, international success of Drag Race, WOW’s award-winning subversive documentaries including projects such as The Eyes of Tammy Faye, Party Monster, and Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures, and their owned-and-operated SVOD WOW Presents Plus. They will also discuss the cultural importance of drag and giving a platform to marginalized voices, and how World of Wonder is continuing toward total “world” domination.

*Join us in the CRAVE Lounge for a special book signing with Fenton Bailey immediately after the session. The first 100 people get a copy of his book ‘Screen Age’ How TV shaped our reality, from Tammy Faye to RuPaul's Drag Race.


Speaking


Nekesa Mumbi Moody

Editorial Director

The Hollywood Reporter

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Fenton Bailey

Co-Founder & Executive Producer

World of Wonder

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Randy Barbato

Co-Founder and Executive Producer

World of Wonder

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30 minutes with... Brent Haynes, Amazon Studios
Theatre
10:00 AM-10:30 AM

Hear the programming needs and priorities of major content investors first-hand and participate in live Q&A. No advance sign-up required. Space will be filled on site, on a first come, first seated basis until we hit room capacity. Sessions are closed to press.

Speaking


Brent Haynes

Head of International Originals, Canada

Amazon Studios

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Production Partners
Presidents Hall
10:00 AM-11:00 AM

Advance sign-up was required via lottery, see networking page for more details. 

Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Production Partners should arrive at the session room 30 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late for your scheduled time slot will result in losing your spot to the wait line.

If you did not secure a Production Partners spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Production Partners is in a NEW LOCATION, on the Conference Centre side. Give yourself extra time to make your way over from the Hotel side so that you are not late for your scheduled meeting.

Production company development execs will be taking one-on-one, 8-minute pitches. Similar in format to our Speed Meeting sessions, this is your chance to pitch to production companies and studios who are looking for great ideas and partnerships.

These meetings are all specifically designed to be 8-minute time slots, with a 2-minute transition time between meetings. 

NOTE: We acknowledge there's an ongoing labour dispute between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). If you are participating in meetings or planning on pitching, we encourage you to abide by the guidelines of any union or guild affiliations you may have.

Speaking


Table host

Bill Lundy

SVP Comedy

New Metric Media

divider
Table host

Karen Tsang

VP Creative Affairs

Pier 21 Films

divider
Table host

Kerry Appleyard

Senior Vice President, Scripted & Unscripted, Television

Boat Rocker Studios

divider
Table host

Elliott Brannon

Director, Acquisitions & Content Strategy

Lionsgate Entertainment

divider
Table host

Nua Finau

Co-Founder, Executive Producer and Showrunner

Tavake Ltd

divider
Table host

Alex Lalonde

Chief Operating Officer

Amaze

divider
Table host

Nataline Rodrigues

SVP of Development

Vortex Media

divider
Table host

Julie Lacey

VP, Creative

Shaftesbury

divider
Table host

Graham Ludlow

Head of Development and Production

Incendo

divider
Table host

Benjamin Tappan

President, Production

Walden Media

divider
Table host

Richard Jean-Baptiste

VP, Business Innovation & Executive Producer

Attraction

divider
Table host

Simon Faber

Founder & Producer

Taiga Pictures

divider
Table host

Chris Fry

Group Chief Operating Officer and Group Chief Financial Officer

Sister Pictures

divider
Table host

Quan Phung

SVP, Original Series, Topic Studios

Topic Studios

divider
Table host

Vibika Bianchi

Executive Producer

Catalyst

divider
Table host

Myiea Coy

SVP of Television

Confluential Films

divider
Table host

Cyle Zezo

President

Solarpunk Village

divider
Table host

Adam Steinman

EVP, Global Formats & Aquisitions

Walt Disney Television Alternative

divider
Table host

Marina Di Pancrazio

Chief Content Revenue Officer

Just For Laughs Group

divider
10:30 AM
Meet a Showrunner + Director
Alhambra
10:30 AM-11:00 AM

*Advance sign up was required, see networking page for more details

*Hosted in William F White Int'l group networking hub

Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Meet a Showrunner + Director should arrive at the session room 20-30 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late will result in losing your spot to the wait line. 

If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

These informal, 30-minute networking sessions are designed to connect delegates with top directors and showrunners in a small-group setting. Talk inspiration, creative challenges and career advice with leading industry professionals.

NOTE: We acknowledge there's an ongoing labour dispute between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). If you are participating in meetings or planning on pitching, we encourage you to abide by the guidelines of any union or guild affiliations you may have.

Speaking


Table host

Ryan Singh

Producer, Director

Ryan Singh Productions Ltd.

divider
Table host

Sophie Lorain

Producer/Showrunner

ALSO

divider
Table host

Alexis Durand-Brault

Director

ALSO

divider
Table host

Adele Lim

Writer-Producer and Director

Writer, Director

divider
Table host

Sean O'Neill

President

Visitor Media

divider
Table host

Ashley Williams

Director

Hallmark Media

divider
Table host

Nimisha Mukerji

Director

Shotglass Productions Inc.

divider
Table host

Wendy Hill-Tout

Producer, Writer, Director

Voice Pictures Inc.

divider
Table host

Annie Bradley

Director & Producer & Writer

The Heat Mansion/DGC Ontario Chair

divider
11:00 AM
The power of music: in conversation with Nora Felder
Cascade
11:00 AM-11:45 AM

Stranger Things, Yellowjackets, What We Do In The Shadows, Californication, Better Things… get inside the brilliant mind behind the music that helped make these and so many more mega hits.  

We’ll sit down with four-time Emmy & Grammy nominated Music Supervisor and 2022 Emmy winner, Nora Felder for a talk on inspiration and collaboration, and her incredible career spanning from booking showcases and events for the Cure and INXS, to being VP of production for legendary music producer, Phil Ramone, where she worked on recording projects for artists ranging from Paul Simon, Sinead O'Connor, Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett, Malcolm McLaren, and Iggy Pop.


Speaking


Nora Felder

Music Supervisor/Executive Music Producer/Producer

Picture Music Company

divider

Matt Cansick

Senior Director, Creative Licensing – TV North America

BMG Production Music

divider
11:30 AM
30 minutes with... Lea Marin and Greig Dymond, CBC
Theatre
11:30 AM-12:00 PM

Hear the programming needs and priorities of major content investors first-hand and participate in live Q&A. No advance sign-up required. Space will be filled on site, on a first come, first seated basis until we hit room capacity. Sessions are closed to press.

Speaking


Greig Dymond

Director of Development, Comedy

CBC

divider

Lea Marin

Director of Development, Drama

CBC

divider
12:00 PM
Get in the sandbox with kids-biz experts
Cascade
12:00 PM-12:45 PM

Kids TV is one of the fastest-changing areas in entertainment. How kids play and use media is evolving at an unprecedented pace while digital migration continues to reshape the business. So where are the best and brightest opportunities for kid-facing IPs right now? How do you shape and launch new content in a way that grabs kids’ nano-sized attention spans? Grab a shovel and a bucket and join our industry experts for this can’t-miss discussion.

Speaking


Sara DeWitt

SVP & General Manager

PBS

divider

Drew Mullin

Executive in Charge of Production, Kids

CBC

divider

Aubrey Clarke

Commissioning Executive | BBC Children’s 7+

BBC

divider

Kate Sanagan

Head of Sales & Distribution

Sinking Ship Entertainment

divider
Partner Presentation: Telefilm - The Climate Cost of Production: Charting the Sustainability Path for the Screen Industry
Mount Stephen Hall
12:00 PM-12:45 PM

Building on Telefilm Canada’s Action Plan on Eco Responsibility and the findings from a soon-to-be launched study charting the greenhouse gas emissions of film and television productions across Canada, this conversation will explore key findings from the study and explore best practices for productions to reduce their negative climate impact. Green storytelling is also a growing industry priority with more outlets calling for eco-friendly practices incorporated into worldbuilding, character and script development. The panelists will unpack the challenges and opportunities in going green on set and on screen.


Speaking


Andrew Robinson

Principal, Sustainability Strategy and Engagement

Green Spark Group

divider

Tyler Hagan

Producer

Experimental Forest Films

divider

Cyle Zezo

President

Solarpunk Village

divider

Lisa Clarkson

Executive Director, Business & Rights and Production Sustainability

CBC

divider
CREATOR CONNECTIONS WITH WILLIAM F. WHITE INT'L
Alhambra
12:00 PM-12:30 PM

Calling all creatives, grab your lunch and network with diverse talent from around the globe. The team from WFW will be there to answer any questions you may have regarding production and how it relates to your creative journey.


* There are two places to buy your Grab & Go lunches: in the Oval Room beside the Crave Riverview Lounge and in the Alberta/New Brunswick Meeting Space. Available Monday & Tuesday 11:00AM - 2:00PM.

Virtual Production Demo: Winter Exterior (Alberta Film Commission Virtual Production Volume, Conference Centre)
Van Horne Ballroom
12:00 PM-12:30 PM

Virtual Production Volume provided & powered by Northern Gateway Films. This demo uses real-time camera tracking to match the perspective of the camera lens to recreate parallax and depth of field on the LED volume. The environment is created in Unreal Engine which offers great flexibility and control over the elements. Come check us out in the Conference Center and chat with the techs and producers about what possibilities exist for virtual production in Alberta.


1:00 PM
Summit Series: George Cheeks, President and CEO, CBS and CCO, News and Sports, Paramount+
Cascade
1:00 PM-1:45 PM

Sit down with a titan of the industry for an engaging, future-forward conversation spanning what it takes to lead a vast international powerhouse. With a focus on championing collaboration, ensure diverse casting and address work-life balance, George Cheeks leads all CBS-branded assets within Paramount Global: CBS Television Network, encompassing CBS Entertainment, CBS News and CBS Sports, as well as CBS Studios, CBS Stations, CBS Media Ventures and CBS-branded digital assets. His global remit also includes extending the world-class content from CBS News and CBS Sports to the Paramount+ streaming super service, responsibility for BET, Paramount Television Studios and the company’s free-to-air networks in the UK, Australia, Argentina and Chile. 

Speaking


George Cheeks

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

CBS Entertainment

divider

Peter White

Executive Editor, Television

Deadline Hollywood

divider
Spotlight: CBC
Mount Stephen Hall
1:00 PM-1:45 PM

BANFF’s Spotlight sessions are designed to give executives at the world's most exciting content platforms the stage to reveal their programming priorities and needs. Executives will reveal everything producers need to know – what they are looking for in content, what's working and what's not and how best to engage with them – and delegates can participate in a Q&A at the end.


Speaking


Trish Williams

Executive Director, Scripted Content

CBC

divider

Kelly Townsend

Editor

Playback

divider

Jennifer Dettman

Executive Director, Unscripted Content

CBC

divider
1:30 PM
Meet an Agent
Alhambra
1:30 PM-2:00 PM

*Advance sign up was required, see networking page for more details

*Hosted in William F White Int'l group networking hub

Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Meet an Agent should arrive at the session room 20-30 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late will result in losing your spot to the wait line. 

If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

These 30-minute sessions are informal affairs designed to connect delegates with top agents in a small group setting. These sessions are not about pitching. They are opportunities to network, discuss trends and spark potential partnerships. Find out what these industry experts can offer you and your business.

NOTE: We acknowledge there's an ongoing labour dispute between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). If you are participating in meetings or planning on pitching, we encourage you to abide by the guidelines of any union or guild affiliations you may have.

Speaking


Table host

Ilana Miller

Literary Agent, Co-owner

The Jennifer Hollyer Agency

divider
Table host

Michael Gordon

TV Scripted Agent

CAA Creative Artists Agency

divider
Table host

Tiauna Jackson

Agent, Producer, Distributor

The Jackson Agency

divider
Table host

Dan Norton

Agent

CAA Creative Artists Agency

divider
Table host

Sohrab Merchant

Literary Agent

The Characters Talent Agency

divider
Table host

Kulbinder Saran Caldwell

CEO & Founder

Reallife Pictures Inc.

divider
Table host

Larry Shuman

President/Literary Manager

The Shuman Company

divider
Table host

Tyler Reynolds

Partner and Head, Television Directing

VERVE

divider
Table host

Adam Levine

Co-Founder/Partner

VERVE

divider
Table host

Courtenay Bainbridge

Agent

Meridian Artists Inc

divider
Speed Meetings with Buyers
Presidents Hall
1:30 PM-2:30 PM

Advance sign-up was required via lottery, see networking page for more details. 

Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Speed Meetings should arrive at the session room 30 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late for your scheduled time slot will result in losing your spot to the wait line.

If you did not secure a Speed Meetings spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Speed Meetings with Buyers is in a NEW LOCATION, on the Conference Centre side. Give yourself extra time to make your way over from the Hotel side so that you are not late for your scheduled meeting.

BANFF’s Speed Meetings with Buyers are a fantastic opportunity for content creators and producers to meet one-on-one with leading program buyers and funders. This is your opportunity to connect with partners who can help take your screen-based project to the next stage.

Specifically designed to be 8-minute time slots, with a 2-minute transition time between meetings, this program has facilitated thousands of partnerships and has led to millions of dollars in new content.

NOTE: We acknowledge there's an ongoing labour dispute between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). If you are participating in meetings or planning on pitching, we encourage you to abide by the guidelines of any union or guild affiliations you may have.

Speaking


Table host

Kale Stockwell

Head of Original Programming

Rogers Sports & Media

divider
Table host

Paige Murray

Executive in Charge of Development, Drama

CBC

divider
Table host

Kathryn Tyus-Adair

SVP Original Programming

STARZ

divider
Table host

Brad Holcman

Senior Director, Non-Fiction & Alternative Programming

A+E Networks

divider
Table host

Kelly Garrett

Vice President, Development

Hallmark Media

divider
Table host

Jessica Callahan

Vice President, Development

Hallmark Media

divider
Table host

Stefania Scarfo

Sr Manager, Head of Content Planning & Strategy, Paramount+ Canada

Paramount+ Canada

divider
Table host

Michele Zatta

Commissioning Editor in Charge of International Co-productions

RAI Fiction - RAI - Radiotelevisione Italiana

divider
Table host

Lea Marin

Director of Development, Drama

CBC

divider
Table host

Lisa Ducharme

Director of Online Content & Deliverables

APTN Aboriginal Peoples Television Network Inc.

divider
Table host

Gwenllian Gravelle

Head of Drama

S4C International

divider
Table host

Drew Mullin

Executive in Charge of Production, Kids

CBC

divider
Table host

Kathleen Meek

VP, Development

Corus Entertainment Inc

divider
Table host

Sam Linton

VP, Production and Development, Global Media

Blue Ant Media Inc

divider
Table host

Lauren Whitelaw

Head of Programming

OUTtv Network Inc

divider
Table host

Cara Nye

Director, Content Development & Production

Accessible Media Inc.

divider
Table host

Beth Iley

VP, International Series Development & Executive Producer

Amazon Studios

divider
Table host

Marianne Lambert

Directrice Principale Contenus/Senior Director of Content

TFO

divider
Table host

Warren Campbell

Co-Founder

JOIN TV Network

divider
2:00 PM
Master Class: Star Trek
Cascade
2:00 PM-2:45 PM

Star Trek, television’s longest-running franchise, has always been groundbreaking for its storytelling that not only entertains millions of global fans, but also addresses social, political, and cultural issues. Trek’s optimistic view of the future and reflection on what it means to be human has inspired generations of dreamers and doers. It’s been almost six years since Star Trek embarked into a streaming future on Paramount+ with new series including Star Trek: Discovery, Picard, Strange New Worlds, Prodigy and Lower Decks, and the recently announced Section 31 and Starfleet Academy. Join cast and creatives from the Star Trek family in a discussion on ushering in the golden age of Trek, growing the franchise, and introducing a new generation to this universe all while staying true to what made it a cultural phenomenon 56 years ago.

Speaking


Celia Rose Gooding

Actor, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

"Star Trek: Strange New Worlds"

divider

John Elmes

Deputy News Editor & International Editor

Broadcast

divider

Ethan Peck

Actor, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

"Star Trek: Strange New Worlds"

divider

David Stapf

President, CBS Television Studios

CBS Studios

divider
Spotlight: Fremantle
Mount Stephen Hall
2:00 PM-2:45 PM

BANFF’s Spotlight sessions are designed to give executives at the world's most exciting content platforms the stage to reveal their programming priorities and needs. Executives will reveal everything producers need to know – what they are looking for in content, what's working and what's not and how best to engage with them – and delegates can participate in a Q&A at the end.


Speaking


Lisa Honig

Senior EVP Program Distribution, North America

Fremantle

divider

Mark Bishop

Co-President

marblemedia

divider

Jens Richter

CEO Commercial and International

Fremantle

divider

Michela Di Mondo

EVP Distribution, International

Fremantle

divider
2:30 PM
Virtual Production Demo: 3D LED, Step Into the Screen (Alberta Film Commission Virtual Production Volume, Conference Centre)
Van Horne Ballroom
2:30 PM-3:00 PM

Virtual Production Volume provided & powered by Northern Gateway Films. This demo uses real-time camera tracking to match the perspective of the camera lens to recreate parallax and depth of field on the LED volume. The environment is created in Unreal Engine which offers great flexibility and control over the elements. Come check us out in the Conference Center and chat with the techs and producers about what possibilities exist for virtual production in Alberta.


3:00 PM
Comedies that travel
Cascade
3:00 PM-3:45 PM

Leading comedy execs and producers discuss the business of making local laughs explode globally. 

Speaking


Deniese Davis

Founder and CEO

Reform Media Group

divider

Bill Lundy

SVP Comedy

New Metric Media

divider

Stan Pham

Current Programming, CBS Studios

CBS Studios

divider

Rob Aslett

Company Director, Artist Manager and Executive Producer

Avalon Television

divider

Kate Adler

Executive Vice President, Comedy Development, CBS Studios

divider

Marina Di Pancrazio

Chief Content Revenue Officer

Just For Laughs Group

divider
Spotlight: Hallmark Media
Mount Stephen Hall
3:00 PM-3:45 PM

BANFF’s Spotlight sessions are designed to give executives at the world's most exciting content platforms the stage to reveal their programming priorities and needs. Executives will reveal everything producers need to know – what they are looking for in content, what's working and what's not and how best to engage with them – and delegates can participate in a Q&A at the end.

Speaking


Suzanne Berger

VP of Production

NESHAMA Entertainment

divider

Charles Cooper

President/Producer

Front Street Pictures

divider

John Morayniss

Co-Founder & CEO

Blink49 Content Inc

divider

Jimmy Holcomb

VP of Production

Hallmark Media

divider

Randy Pope

SVP, Physical Production

Hallmark Media

divider
Meet a Decision Maker
Alhambra
3:00 PM-3:30 PM

*Advance sign up was required, see networking page for more details

*Hosted in William F White Int'l group networking hub

Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Meet a Decision Maker should arrive at the session room 20-30 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late will result in losing your spot to the wait line. 

If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

These 30-minute sessions are informal affairs designed to connect delegates with broadcasters, streamers, producers and development executives in a small-group setting. These sessions are not about pitching. They are opportunities to network, discuss trends and spark potential partnerships.

NOTE: We acknowledge there's an ongoing labour dispute between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). If you are participating in meetings or planning on pitching, we encourage you to abide by the guidelines of any union or guild affiliations you may have.

Speaking


Table host

Katrina Kowalski

Senior Vice President, International Content Programming and Acquisitions for Pluto TV

Paramount

divider
Table host

Greig Dymond

Director of Development, Comedy

CBC

divider
Table host

Erin Finlay

Partner

Stohn Hay Cafazzo Dembroski Heim Finlay LLP

divider
Table host

Vicki Liao

Director, Content Acquisition

Roku

divider
Table host

Catherine Casey

Senior Creative Executive Global Unscripted Formats

Amazon Studios

divider
Table host

Llinos Wynne

Head Documentaries & Specialist Factual

S4C

divider
Table host

Jennifer Vaux

VP, Content Acquisition & Programming

Roku

divider
Table host

Tom Cox

Executive Producer and Managing Director

SEVEN24 Films

divider
Table host

Colin Bohm

CEO

Corus Entertainment Inc

divider
Table host

Tecca Crosby

Producer

eOne Television

divider
Table host

Darren Giblin

SVP, Current Programming & Co-Productions

Entertainment One Ltd.

divider
Table host

Robin Mirsky

Executive Director, Rogers Group of Funds

Rogers Communications Inc

divider
4:00 PM
An Inside Look at 10 years of Netflix Originals
Cascade
4:00 PM-4:45 PM

A discussion featuring Bobby Berk (Queer Eye, Blown Away: Christmas) and Noah Centineo (The Recruit, To All The Boys trilogy) looking at how groundbreaking Netflix series and stars changed the way people watched TV.

Speaking


Peter Friedlander

Head of Scripted Series, U.S. and Canada

Netflix

divider

Bobby Berk

(Queer Eye, Blown Away: Christmas)

divider

Noah Centineo

(The Recruit, To All The Boys trilogy)

divider
Spotlight: Bell Media
Mount Stephen Hall
4:00 PM-4:45 PM

BANFF’s Spotlight sessions are designed to give executives at the world's most exciting content platforms the stage to reveal their programming priorities and needs. Executives will reveal everything producers need to know – what they are looking for in content, what's working and what's not and how best to engage with them – and delegates can participate in a Q&A at the end.

Speaking


Rachel Goldstein-Couto

Head of Development, Original Programming

Bell Media

divider

Sarah Fowlie

Head of Production, Original Programming

Bell Media

divider

Karen Tsang

VP Creative Affairs

Pier 21 Films

divider
4:30 PM
Meet a Distributor
Alhambra
4:30 PM-5:00 PM

*Advance sign up was required, see networking page for more details

*Hosted in William F White Int'l group networking hub

Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Meet a Distributor should arrive at the session room 20-30 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late will result in losing your spot to the wait line. 

If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

These 30-minute sessions are informal affairs designed to connect delegates with top distributors in a small group setting. These sessions are not about pitching. They are opportunities to network, discuss trends and to spark potential partnerships. Find out what these industry experts can offer you and your business.

NOTE: We acknowledge there's an ongoing labour dispute between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). If you are participating in meetings or planning on pitching, we encourage you to abide by the guidelines of any union or guild affiliations you may have.

Speaking


Table host

Mary-Anne Taylor

Head of Content Distribution, Canada

Roku

divider
Table host

Justin Rebelo

CEO

Vortex Media

divider
Table host

Jean LaRose

CEO

Animiki See Distribution Inc

divider
Table host

Giuliana Benvenuto

Senior Manager, Acquisitions, North America

Cineflix Rights

divider
Table host

Cathy Hare

Director of Acquisitions North America

Entertainment One Television International

divider
Table host

Dylan Casella

Director - Acquisitions, Distribution & Editorial Curation

Off the Fence

divider
Table host

Greg Rubidge

President

Syndicado

divider
Table host

Megan Nelles

Sales Manager

Fremantle

divider
Table host

Brook Peters

SVP, Sales & Business Development

Incendo

divider
Table host

Nick Solowski

Vice President, International Sales

Blue Ant Media Inc

divider
Table host

Ryan Lowerre

President, Domestic Television & Digital Distribution

Lionsgate Entertainment

divider
5:30 PM
Rockies Gala cocktail reception (Van Horne Foyer)
5:30 PM-6:15 PM

Red Carpet, cocktails and canapés!  Enjoy this celebratory mix-and-mingle in anticipation of BANFF’s signature Rockie Awards Gala.

All BANFF delegates are welcome. Attire: Cocktail.

6:30 PM
Rockies Gala (Van Horne Ballroom)
6:30 PM-8:00 PM

Celebrate in style at BANFF’s signature Rockie Awards Gala This 44-year legacy recognizes the achievements of outstanding talent and executives from around the world. 

All BANFF delegates are welcome to the Rockie Awards Gala. Seating is first-come, first-served. Attire: Cocktail.

*The Rockie Awards Gala takes place in the Van Horne Ballroom, located on the conference side of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel*


Speaking


Alanis Obomsawin

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

NFB The National Film Board of Canada

divider

Fenton Bailey

Co-Founder & Executive Producer

World of Wonder

divider

Randy Barbato

Co-Founder and Executive Producer

World of Wonder

divider
Host

Craig Robinson

Star and Executive Producer, Killing It

Universal Studio Group

divider

Ethan Peck

Actor, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

"Star Trek: Strange New Worlds"

divider

Garcelle Beauvais

Lifetime EP, Black Girl Missing and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

divider

Celia Rose Gooding

Actor, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

"Star Trek: Strange New Worlds"

divider

Sharon Horgan

Co-Founder

Merman

divider
8:00 PM
Post Gala Video Dance Party 8:00pm - 11:30PM (Cascade)
8:00 PM-11:45 PM

Wednesday, June 14


8:30 AM
Registration 8:30 am - 12:00 pm (Curio Foyer)
8:30 AM-8:45 AM
9:30 AM
Summit Series: Sharon Horgan, award-winning actress, writer, producer, director; co-founder, Merman
Mount Stephen Hall
9:30 AM-10:15 AM

Speaking


Nekesa Mumbi Moody

Editorial Director

The Hollywood Reporter

divider

Sharon Horgan

Co-Founder

Merman

divider
10:30 AM
Closing Bubbles & Bites - Launching “The Knix Catalyst Docs for Change Project.”
Mount Stephen Hall
10:30 AM-12:00 PM

Join Joanna Griffiths, Founder and President of Knix and Julie Bristow, Founder of Catalyst as they launch the “The Knix Catalyst Docs for Change Project.” By partnering with women-identifying filmmakers, this initiative will fully fund eye-opening feature documentaries about issues and stories that matter and speak to women, to ignite meaningful dialogue, break historical barriers, end stigma, and mobilize change.

*Bubbles and bites to be served while networking with the Knix and Catalyst teams celebrating a successful festival over Mimosas and breakfast hors d'oeuvres.


Speaking


Hannah Sung

Co founder, Media Girlfriends

divider

Julie Bristow

Founder

Catalyst

divider

Joanna Griffiths

Founder & President

Knix

divider
12:00 PM
*PRIVATE* Co-Production Deep Dive: international financing and content trends (Diversity of Voices Program)
Cascade
12:00 PM-12:45 PM

PRIVATE SESSION: As distributors are increasingly looking for content and formats with global appeal - how can local stories reach global audiences? Our panel of top international producers offer their insights on the innovative co-production and distribution trends that are shaping our industry.

Please note that this session is open only to invited guests.

Please note that this session is open only to Diversity of Voices participants.

Speaking


Brenda Gilbert

Co-Founder of BRON Media

BRON Media Corporation

divider

Gwenllian Gravelle

Head of Drama

S4C International

divider

Michele Zatta

Commissioning Editor in Charge of International Co-productions

RAI Fiction - RAI - Radiotelevisione Italiana

divider

Adam Steinman

EVP, Global Formats & Aquisitions

Walt Disney Television Alternative

divider

Mark Johnston

President

RiverRock Real

divider

Cher Hawrysh

SVP Production

Walden Media

divider

Jennifer Liang

Head of Acquisitions

Topic

divider