Children, Youth & Media Conference and Workshop Program

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Word from Co-Chair 6 Word from Executive Director 7 Word from Workshop Host (TFO) 8 Word from Conference Host (Corus) 9 Schedule and Venues 10 Diversity and Inclusion Workshop 12 General Conference 13 Prix Jeunesse International Screening 16 Speakers’ Biographies 20

YMA OFFICE AND CONFERENCE TEAM

3 AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2020

French-Language Awards of Excellence Gala Montreal, May 27, 2020 Save the Date!

4 Special Thanks

TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE:

TO THE TEAM OF VOLUNTEERS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE KIDS INTERVIEW VIDEOS:

Kat Kelly Hayduk | Turtlebox Productions, Hamilton ON Cam Hayduk | Turtlebox Productions, Hamilton ON Jennifer Burkitt | Pipeline Studios, Burlington ON Pascale Cusson | Au-delà du réal, Montreal QC Amanda Duriano Gavidia | Apartment 11, Montreal QC Julie Stewart | Go Team Stewart, Victoria BC Maria Kennedy | Little Engine Moving Pictures, Toronto ON Ben Mazzotta | Little Engine Moving Pictures, Toronto ON

AND THE VOLUNTEERS:

Maia Bastidas Jaylin Chan Alexis Chronis John Curtis Danielle Fahey Molison Farmer Nicole Honderich Benji Tang Daryl Wallbank Rebecca Zala

5 Word from Co-Chair

CONGRATULATIONS! Ten years ago, we all recognized an obvious New data out of the Geena problem. Ten years from now, Davis Institute on Gender let’s ensure that every kid in Media as well as the feels a little less alone by Ryerson Children’s Media Lab seeing themselves represented has found that we have now on screen. reached gender parity in children’s television! Thank you again and congrats for continuing to be This is, in no small part, the change makers, I hope you because people in this room have an incredible conference, woke up to the obvious ridiculousness of 51% of the population representing only 33% of on screen roles. But rather than call this mission accomplished, let’s J.J. JOHNSON instead call it mission begun. CO-CHAIR, Because though the YOUTH MEDIA ALLIANCE headwinds are in the right direction we still have a ways to go: 74% of all characters in live action and animation are caucasian, characters with physical differences are virtually non-existent and girls are twice as likely to be portrayed as thin or very thin.

6 Word from Executive Director

of platforms that they can learn about the uniqueness of our Canadian culture, so it was with this in mind that we looked to access young Canadians’ answers and impressions. Thanks to Maria Kennedy for initiating the idea and to the professional volunteers who helped us gather the clips from Newfoundland to Vancouver. It is by joining forces with our global partners that we will be Welcome to our 2019 edition! able to share our stories and We’re thrilled to be welcoming in view of this we have initiated you in two locations this a call for projects with year! First on College Street international buyers! This at Groupe Média TFO for our session should be fun and workshop on Diversity and will certainly offer a great Inclusion as well as at Corus opportunity for learning and Quay, for the main Conference relationship building for the and the Prix Jeunesse Suitcase. chosen candidates. Thanks to both venues for the We are very glad you are joining great support! us today! Many special thanks Yet again, this conference will to the Board of Directors, be the occasion to announce the Conference Advisory the winners of the 4th YMA Committee, the sponsors Andra Sheffer Scholarship. for their special financial We are fortunate to be able to contribution, the moderators, award a second winner for 2020 the volunteers and above all, to and I want to thank the you, our dear industry members ShawRocket Fund for this who have been supporting the exceptional contribution. Many organization for 45 years! thanks to Brunico as well, who Have a wonderful day! has been involved from

Day One in providing these

outstanding candidates with registration and opportunities for youth creators! CHANTAL BOWEN Yes, the world is changing and so are the ways children seek out their content. Nevertheless, it is by accessing a varied range

7 Word from Workshop Host

We’re sure of one thing: our This is content that tells our differences are a strength stories, reflects today’s values, and they enrich our society. To shares our past and prepares ensure that future generations our future generations for evolve in a social and cultural the society of tomorrow. This landscape shaped by tolerance passion for our organisational and equality, we all have a duty mandate and mission drives to create intelligent, creative us every day to adopt new and engaging educational innovative approaches, at the content which supports cutting edge of technological Bienvenue chez TFO ! children in shaping their and educational trends to We are delighted to welcome identity and fostering their stay ahead of the social, civic you to our offices in order to cognitive, intrapersonal and and democratic curve. discuss the theme of Diversity interpersonal growth. Let’s continue to challenge and Inclusion, for a very simple That is why, through its the media status quo to reason: from our very first characters and stories involving overcome stereotypes and days on air to today, years of handicaps, homosexuality, underrepresentation. In doing transformation later, TFO has First Nations, immigration, so, communities across the always had a head start on and so on, TFO’s French- country and the world will diversity representation in language Youth and Childhood find themselves reflected in the content it produces programming transmits to its our content. and distributes on multiple young audiences the essential platforms. skills, values and abilities they Our commitment to break- will need to grow and become NADINE DUPONT ing down barriers to inclusion enlightened citizens of the CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER in our country and abroad world. That is also why TFO’s is largely supported by our content is recognized history. As a public media worldwide for its excellence. company working in a minority Such content serves as a Francophone environment, we living and breathing reflexion care dearly about valuing and as who we are and guarantor celebrating diversity and all its for our public values, forms. notably freedom of opinion and expression.

8 Word from Conference Host

fundamental to serving our young viewers and audiences. Kid’s content, on whatever platform, should reflect the broad and rich range of what children see in themselves, in their schools and in their neighbourhoods. Once again, we are thrilled to host the Youth Media Alliance We have the added advantage Conference at our building and in Canada of being a culturally extend a warm greeting to each diverse country – and with that, of you as you spend the next comes a wonderful foundation two days with us. where stories can be found. What makes this year extra special is 2019 marks the Enjoy the Conference! YMA’s 45TH anniversary! In that time, the YMA has continued to support quality kid’s content and celebrate excellence in children’s programming. Please join us in congratulating the YMA on their anniversary. This year’s conference is PRESIDENT AND focused on diversity and CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER inclusion in the kid’s content CORUS ENTERTAINMENT space, something that we, as producers, creators and broadcasters, see as

9 Schedule and Venues

NOVEMBER 6 PRESENTED BY DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION WORKSHOP Workshop Venue / Groupe Média TFO / 21 College St #600, Toronto, ON M5G 2B3

10:00 – 10:45 a.m. Registration & Coffee LUV Production Studio at TFO – Tour (optional) 10:45 – 11:00 a.m. Opening Remarks by YMA, Host and Sponsor APTN 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. On-screen Protocols & Pathways: Working with First Nations, Metis and Inuit Communities, Cultures, Concepts and Stories 12:00 – 01:15 p.m. Lunchbox & Mingling 1:15 – 02:30 p.m. Growing up with Indigenous Stories 2:30 – 03:45 p.m. Opportunity to increase diversity and inclusion in our productions 03:45 – 04:30 p.m. Networking & Drinks LUV Production Studio at TFO – Tour (optional)

NOVEMBER 7 COCKTAIL RECEPTION GENERAL CONFERENCE − ATRIUM PRESENTED BY Conference Venue / Corus Entertainment / 25 Dockside Dr, Toronto, ON M5A 0B5

8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Registration and Breakfast 9:00 – 9:15 a.m. Opening of the Children, Youth & Media Conference 9:15 – 10:00 a.m. Discoverability 2.0 10:15 – 11:00 a.m. Ruling the Middle Kingdom 11:00 – 11:15 a.m. Coffee Break 11:15 – 12:15 p.m. How to Enter the Global Content Space from Canada 12:15 – 1:30 p.m. Lunch & Networking 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. YMA Annual General Meeting EXECUTIVE BOARD 1:30 – 1:45 p.m. Special Presentation by Andra Sheffer, ROOM, 6TH FLOOR Nour Mallouh and the new YMA Andra Sheffer Scholarship recipient 1:45 – 3:15 p.m. The Goldfish Bowl / Pitching Sessions 3:15 – 3:30 p.m. Break 3:30 – 4:15 p.m. Creating Content for a Co-View Audience 4:15 – 5:15 p.m. What Kids Like? Kids’ interview clips & discussion 5:15 – 6:30 p.m. Networking Cocktail Reception 7 :00 p.m. End of the day

10 Schedule and Venues

NOVEMBER 8 PRESENTED BY PRIX JEUNESSE INTERNATIONAL Screening Venue / Corus Entertainment / 25 Dockside Dr, Toronto, ON M5A 0B5

6TH FLOOR (N501) EAST SCREENING ROOM 8:45 – 9:00 a.m. Registration 9:00 – 12:00 p.m. Morning screenings and discussion The Papernauts – Chile Micro Friends – Denmark Songfoni – Norway My Best Friend Marlon – Norway Bo Bear – Norway My Body Belongs to Me – Norway Brave – Norway In Love with Cinema – Kyrgyzstan First Day – Australia Rechill – Netherlands Neuro…What? – Argentina Heads Together – clip – Netherlands Pythagora Switch: The Marble Brothers’ Great Adventure – Japan 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Lunch offered by YMA 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Afternoon screenings and discussion Polska Warrior – Netherlands Way to School – clip – Vietnam Checker Tobi: Life and Death Check – clip – Germany Hassan and Ramadan – clip – Denmark Corporation D – Cuba Handball Mission – Denmark Japangle – Japan First Time in the USA – clip – Germany ZombieLars – Norway

11 Diversity and Inclusion Workshop

DAY 1, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 6 ON-SCREEN PROTOCOLS & PATHWAYS: WORKING WITH FIRST NATIONS, METIS AND INUIT COMMUNITIES, CULTURES, CONCEPTS AND STORIES In this presentation by the Indigenous Screen Office, we are introduced to the Media Production Guide to working with First Nations, Metis and Inuit Communities, Cultures, Concepts and Stories. This guide is useful for screen-story tellers and production companies wishing to feature First Nations, Métis or Inuit people, content or concepts (traditional or contemporary cultures, knowledge or intellectual property) in their films, television programs and digital media content.

PRESENTER: • Meg MacKay | Indigenous Screen Office

GROWING UP WITH INDIGENOUS STORIES PRESENTED BY What does it take to create diverse and inclusive screen content? Why is it necessary to share Indigenous culture|stories|voices nationally and world-wide? We chat with three unique storytellers|creators about their approach, successes, and challenges in creating children and youth screen content about and with First Nations, Inuit, and Metis cultures.

PANELISTS: • Monika Ille | Executive Director of Programming and Scheduling APTN • Nadia Mike | Inuit Educator, Writer & Director on Anaana's Tent • Jerry Thevenet | Indigenous Writer, Director & Producer JerryCo Animation

MODERATOR: • Adam Garnet Jones | Telefilm Canada

OPPORTUNITY TO INCREASE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN OUR PRODUCTIONS Knowledge exchange and round table discussion on diversity and inclusion.

PANELISTS: • Ali J. Eisner | Creative Producer, Writer, On-Air Puppeteer, Host, Director, Show Runner and Composer • Natalia Escobar | Writers Guild of Canada • JP Larocque | Writer and member of BIPOC TV & Film committee • Michelle Melanson | Women Drawn Together and Producer • David Seymour | Director’s Guild of Canada • Gabrielle Zilkha | Producer and Director of Programming for POV 3rd Street

MODERATOR: • Richard Young | Screenwriter & Actor (ACTRA/CAEA/WGC)

12 General Conference

DAY 2, THURSDAY NOVEMBER 7 PRESENTED BY DISCOVERABILITY 2.0 With even more choice online and on air than ever before, how do we as content creators make sure kids are discovering our shows? Is there a “secret sauce”? Join us as we explore and discuss how these creators and producers are getting their content “found” and “followed".

PANELISTS: • Carlos Pacheco | Partner, Truly Inc. • Lori Mather | Co-Creator/Showrunner, Find Me in Paris • Brandon Lane | Producer/Director, Miss Persona

MODERATOR: • Michelle Melanson | President, Headspinner Productions

RULLING THE MIDDLE KINGDOM PRESENTED BY Six- to twelve-year-olds have aged out of preschool content, but there's little made just for them. They’re hard to target with content because at this age interests and passions diverge and fragment. They’re outgrowing tablets but only just getting a smartphone. They often lose the TV remote to little siblings during the day and parents at night. So, it’s a challenge for video, game, app and product makers to connect with them at scale. There’s a gap to be filled, but you have to understand the age group’s changing needs, beliefs and passions. If you can connect, the “middle kingdom” is establishing long-term brand and content preferences, and love to share their favorites with their peers.

SPEAKERS: • Adam Woodgate | Senior Research Manager, Dubit • David Kleeman | SVP Global Trends, Dubit

13 HOW TO ENTER THE CONTENT SPACE FROM CANADA PRESENTED BY The Canadian kids content landscape has been profoundly disrupted. Our panel will discuss how evolving global consumption patterns are affecting Canadian broadcasters, producers and creators looking to enter the industry. Learn how local partners and investors can help jump start your show!

MODERATOR: • Frank Falcone | Guru Studio

SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY NOUR MALLOUH, RECIPIENT OF THE YMA ANDRA SHEFFER SCHOLARSHIP “When I applied to the YMA Andra Sheffer Scholarship, my goals were to connect with industry members, receive advice on my show, and attend the various panels at Kidscreen and Banff. Having completed this experience, I can confidently say that I achieved those goals. I also appreciated the balance of networking and attending panels as the sessions were invaluable, particularly at Kid- screen. Ultimately, I am incredibly grateful for this experience. It not only helped me achieve my goals but also helped me gain confidence, hone my pitching skills, and nurture my voice.”

PRESENTER: • Nour Mallouh | 2019 YMA Andra Sheffer Scholarship Recipient

INTERVIEWER: • Andra Sheffer | CEO of the Independent Production Fund

THE GOLDFISH BOWL PRESENTED BY Four youth & kids content creators are invited to take part in this pitching session in front of international buyers who will ask questions and offer feedback. Welcome to the Goldfish Bowl!

GUEST JUDGES: • Michele Hennessy | Special Projects, Animation & Family, Amazon Prime Video • Brad Pettingell | Associate Director, Current Series, PBS KIDS • Deirdre Brennan | Content & Distribution Executive

MODERATOR: • Peter Moss | PDM Entertainment

14 CREATING CONTENT FOR A CO-VIEW AUDIENCE PRESENTED BY Can you be everything to everyone? Is it possible to cater to multiple audiences within a single series? Hear from creators and curators about the challenges and rewards of working within the co-view space.

PANELISTS: • Marysol Charbonneau | Télé-Québec • Marie McCann | CBC Kids • Scott Oleszkowicz | Writer • Zalika Reid-Benta | Writer

MODERATOR: • Sarah Haasz | Pillango Productions

A TALKING YELLOW SPONGE, A LITTLE PINK PIGLET AND PRESENTED BY OTHER STRANGER THINGS: SHOWS KIDS LOVE AND WHY With the advent of binge-viewing through a multitude of platforms, kids have the ultimate control over what kids shows they want to watch, and how and where they want to watch them. They’re offered an enormous array of kids and family programming from around the globe: drama, comedy, live-action, animation, hybrid, serial and episodic. What is it that makes Sponge Bob Squarepants or Peppa Pig an international, multi-season hit? What is it that draws kids to a TV show, a movie, a cartoon, a video game, or a character? Are there shows that kids like to watch while playing video games, or video games they like to play while watching shows? And what does co-viewing look like nowadays? What draws kids to shows that their parents and caregivers like? Is TV the best medium for kids, or have the platforms taken over? We’ll get a glimpse into all of these questions through insightful, candid, funny interviews with Canadian kids aged 5 to 15 about what shows they love and why they love them.

SESSION HOST: • Maria Kennedy | Producer & Co-Founder Little Engine Moving Pictures

GUESTS: • Dr. Colleen Russo-Johnson | Head of Research for Sinking Ship Entertainment, Director for Ryerson Children's Media Lab and Senior Fellow for the Center for Scholars and Storytellers at UCLA • David Kleeman | SVP Global Trends at Dubit

15 PRESENTED BY

Prix Jeunesse International DAY 3, FRIDAY NOVEMBER 8 Join the YMA and PRIX JEUNESSE INTERNATIONAL for a daylong screening of children’s TV from around the world, drawn from the 2018 global children’s TV festival. You’ll see 22 shows or clips from 11 countries, competition winners but also unique ideas, daring content, and intriguing formats. The morning will include shows for preschoolers and primary-age children; the afternoon more primary and tween/teen shows. Animation by David Kleeman, SVP Global Trends, Dubit

THE PAPERNAUTS (5 min), SONGFONI (10 min), MY BEST FRIEND MARLON (10 min) Chile – Robota, Tigu and Uni are Norway – Music is fun – and music Norway – If you had to fly to the moon The Papernauts, three magical beings is multifaceted. Inspired by nursery and could only take one person, made of paper. Every evening, when rhymes and folk music ”Songfoni” who would you choose? Marlon and the children leave and the library aims to inspire children to explore Hugo have been best friends since closes its doors, The Papernauts come the core elements of music such as kindergarten. But then, a new kid to life and live fantastic, exciting and rhythm, melody, harmony, timbre and shows up in class, Sander, who seems amazing literary adventures, in which dynamics. By providing the tools to be good at almost everything. they will have to use all their to help understanding the basic While Marlon´s interest is peaked, imagination and wit. concepts we invite our young viewers Hugo responds with jealousy. Their to join us in celebrating music! friendship´s dynamic is challenged by this and Marlon has to try and find a balance between the three of them. We follow the boys on their day-to-day adventures, like going to swim class or taking up taekwondo, while their relationship to each other undergoes MICRO FRIENDS (10 min), a transformation that will shape their Denmark – The two siblings Selma young and increasingly more complex and Milton love everything that is lives. On the way they´ll learn what it crawling and itching in the Danish actually means to be friends – even nature. In this episode they go to the if some of them don´t get along all woods on their own to go carrion the time. hunting. They find a carrion from a fox, which contains delicious mites and carrion beetles. Later they visit a rot cage with Mikkel the nature guy. It really stinks but is exciting to watch.

16 Prix Jeunesse BO BEAR (5 min), BRAVE (15 min), FIRST DAY (18 min), Norway – ”Bo Bear” is a live action Norway – The friends Mahsa (10) and Australia – Hannah sits with her drama series about young kids and Amena (10) almost drowned fleeing mother waiting to hear if she’s been International their best friend Bo Bear. The puppet abuse and terror in their native accepted into Hillview High. When is their favourite teddy bear who turns countries Iran and Iraq. Almost a Hillview’s Principal gives her the good alive - but only when the two of them year later, situated in a Norwegian news, Hannah is both excited and are alone together! Episode 6, reception centre, the two girls prepare relieved. As a 12-year-old transgender THE DOG: Ruby plays with her to face the water again. Will Masa be girl who’s been presenting as male at marbles at Grandma’s. She throws her able to dive in, without feeling fear? Primary School, Hillview represents a favourite marble too far and it rolls And what about her friend Amena? fresh start and a chance to be her true past Grandma’s dog. Ruby finds the self. But as the first day of High School dog a bit scary, and she doesn’t want approaches, she becomes nervous. to get her marble back. Hannah summons the courage to arrive at Hillview in her new girls’ school uniform. It doesn’t take long for her to make friends, and she grows in confidence. It’s then that Isabella, IN LOVE WITH CINEMA (10 min), a bully from Primary School, arrives Kyrgyzstan – The film “In Love with at Hillview. Hannah’s worst fears have Cinema” is the debut work of the MY BODY BELONGS TO ME (4 min), been realised. When she tries calling director Askar Nurakun Uulu. The film Norway – An animated documentary her Mum and there’s no answer, is produced in the studio Aitysh Film. series for children on sexuality, borders Hannah realises she needs to deal with The director also acted as a and sexual abuse. The series was part the situation on her own. It takes all screenwriter. The film tells the story of NRK Super’s focus on the theme of her newfound confidence to stand of a little cinephile. This is a real story this year. What is a sexual assault? up to Isabella and show her that she’s from the life of children of the late And what should you do if you proud of who she is. 1990s in villages of Kyrgyzstan. experience something like that? Then there were very popular video This series clarifies that children are recorders and in different rooms there never guilty when abuse occurs, and were screenings of films. The film shows children what they can do if was shot in the small town of Kant, they experience something illegal. Kyrgyzstan. Many children think adults can decide everything. That they can do what they want with a child’s body. It is not correct. Grown-ups must never play with children’s private parts. But – there are some, very few, who want to. What can children do if they meet such an adult? How should a child handle an abuse situation - if it does not know what abuse is? If they do not know that it is forbidden for adults to expose children for sexual acts? The movies are clear, friendly, inclusive and non-intimidating.

17 RECHILL (7 min), PYTHAGORA SWITCH: WAY TO SCHOOL (clip), Netherlands – ”ReChill” is a series DIY THE MARBLE BROTHERS’ Vietnam – ”Way to school” is a story video’s that introduces meditation to GREAT ADVENTURE (10 min), about a group of children living in the children and their parents and/or teach- Japan – ”PythagoraSwitch” is a mountainous areas of North Vietnam. ers. Akwasi, a Dutch actor and musician, children’s programme that helps They have to walk a nearly 30km long exercises together with children, and enhance thinking skills and shows how and difficult road cutting through a also invites viewers to join in. Each certain mechanisms work. It features dense forest to go to school. The episode has a different topic, like ‘worry’ a popular segment in which rolling documentary provides viewers with or ‘ stress’ or ‘love’. Small animations marbles trigger a convoluted series not only the images of dangerous and explain what happens in your head of events in a Pythagorean device winding school roads, but also tell a when you’re for example angry or wor- (commonly known as a Rube Goldberg story about the optimistic attitude of the ried, and Akwasi explains how you can machine). In this special version of minority student, who are living in the ReChill yourself. Akwasi also writes his ”PythagoraSwitch”, the segment has most remote areas of Vietnam, towards own, modern mantras (that are very nice been turned into an adventure story education and how they are thirsty for and stick into your head). We also made starring a marble named Bisuke. It’s a knowledge to get a better life. This film 24 episodes in a studio-setting. dramatic tale filled with excitement will not only trigger the memories of and songs. people who used to go to school but also could be aimed to parents and students alike, serving as a lesson for those kids who try to avoid school at all costs.

NEURO…WHAT? (13 min), POLSKA WARRIOR (25 min), Argentina – A series to awake and Netherlands – Shy Eryk inhabits a satisfy our curiosity through simple smudgy apartment with his father experiments and scientific reasoning. Dobry and three Polish colleagues. CHECKER TOBI: LIFE AND DEATH In each episode a neuroscientist When the men are at work Eryk can play CHECK (clip), researcher called Fabricio answers the his favourite game Goldhunter. As his Germany – Fortunately, Tobi has never questions his niece Martina presents to tough avatar Polska Warrior he battles lost anyone to whom he was very close. him after school, inviting young viewers – together with Laura- for the desired However, this has happened to many to learn about the workings of the brain Golden Crown. But in real life Eryk isn’t people. How do they cope with it? Tobi and the way it relates with the brave at all. He willingly does what his visits the SABU-Club of the Nicolaidis surrounding world. father asks him to do: cleaning up, foundation in Munich. Children, whose cooking and obliged swimming lessons. mum or dad has died, meet there once Eryk can’t swim but is afraid to tell his a month. Tobi does craftwork with them father. When Dobry finds out Eryk can’t creating memorabilia and quickly notices get his swimming diploma, he is furious that when someone who is mourning and takes away his laptop. Eryk now isn’t always sad. But what actually has lost everything. Enraged he steals happens to people after they die? Tobi his father’s Golden Moped. During a HEADS TOGETHER (clip), finds this out with the undertaker Anna. wild moped chase between father and Netherlands – An animated short film She helps, for example, the families son, his father falls from a bridge and in made for Dutch television. Synopsis: with the selection of the right coffin and the deep river. Eryk must face his fears A surreal story about three friends who organizes the funeral. Tobi and Anna to save his father from drowning. He exchange heads by accident and are visit a crematory where the deceased, discovers there’s something to gain in forced to adapt to each other’s life. whose wish it was, to be cremated. He is real life as well. This leads to funny but also enriching allowed into a bereavement room where situations. Will they be able to keep it a dead woman lies. Tobi had never seen secret? And will they ever get their own a dead person before. Some people die head back? unexpectedly, others may be sick and already know what’s coming: this is a strange concept for Tobi. 18 over a period of three months filled with intense handball training, intimidating challenges and seemingly impossible opponents they finally get to experience the kind of friendships they didn’t know they were longing HASSAN AND RAMADAN (clip), FIRST TIME IN THE USA (clip), for. European Champion and Danish Denmark – Hassan is 11 years old Germany – From a real cowboy Handball-legend Jesper Jensen faced and Muslim. He lives with his family experience to a strange meeting with his biggest professional challenge who moved from Iraq to Denmark 16 a 16-year-old gun owner – teen life ever coaching the team. But with great years ago. For the first time in his life, in Texas can be very different. Louisa effort and true passion he succeeded Hassan decides to fast for Ramadan and Philipp meet Justin, who has a in transforming the boys from lonely like his big brothers who he admires a collection of guns in his bedroom - and insecure individuals to extrovert lot. This year Ramadan is in June and a quite normal thing for many Texan and capable kids, with powerful team between sunrise and sunset Hassan teens but a glimpse into a rather spirit. can’t eat or drink. This is a tough frightening and weird world for challenge, especially when school, Louisa and Philipp. The two also football and friends are still very spend a day on a ranch, where important. The film follows Hassan young cowboy Boudreaux teaches during this demanding period from them lasso throwing and rounding his decision to fast until celebration of up a herd of cattle. Eid at the end of Ramadan. JAPANGLE (20 min), Japan – This programme is created for Japanese teenagers. Schools in Japan teach history, but they don’t have lessons that enable kids to easily understand the origins of Japanese ZOMBIELARS (15 min), culture or how they’re connected to CORPORATION D (7 min), Norway – Lars is eleven years old and Japanese culture today. Each edition Cuba – ”The Corporation D” is a film a half zombie, or “living unliving”. In of “Japangle” examines Japanese about children’s imagination, friend- this new hometown Bekkebakken, culture from four angles: design, ship and will. It presents the story of a Lars’s kind are rare and frowned history, skill, and spirit, thereby group of children: Dayron, David and upon. But then he discovers that a highlighting the aesthetics and Dariel, who decide to found a film ninja, a witch and a troll are living just wisdom that Japanese have passed production company. Four years later, next door. Together they must fight from generation to generation. We the authors return to the recording strong forces that want to wipe out created the show in the hope that sites to explain motivations, describe everything that’s different. The series Japanese teenagers will learn things the production and evaluate their tackles the question of how to fit in that help them introduce their country works. and shows how we cope with being to foreign visitors towards the 2020 different. The long plot line story arc Tokyo Olympics. running through the series is the love story of Lars and Anna, who is a half ninja. Lars and Anna falling in love is actually just as scary as the xenophobes that are threatening HANDBALL MISSION (12 min), Lars. Denmark – Ten boys in the age 10-12 take on the task of playing against a handball-team from one of the best clubs in the world. There is just one problem; none of them have ever thrown a handball in their lives and they have no idea about the rules of the game. None of the boys knew each other beforehand, but

19 Speakers biographies

HÉLÈNE ARCHAMBAULT DEIRDRE BRENNAN As Director of Content/ Director of digital media, A respected global media General Manager for BBC Télé-Québec – During these last executive, Deirdre Brennan joined Worldwide Australia 2010-2013, twenty years, Hélène Archambault NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment she managed BBC’s branded has developped an expertise in in 2017 as General Manager, services and content development creation and production of content Universal Kids. The role managed across drama, entertainment and for linear, interactive and network operations, content factual, as well as regional IP multiplatform targeted to youth strategy, programming, marketing management and audience audience and the general public at and digital, working across NBCU strategy, including the launch of large. At Télé-Québec, before being to optimize the company’s BBC First. Brennan also served named Director of digital media, kids & family business. Under her as Director of Programming, she acted as an advisor for new leadership, UKIDS production Nickelodeon Australia 2007-2010. media whilst she was also expanded significantly, earning Deirdre is a Member of the occupying a full professor role at 13 daytime Emmy nominations for International Academy of INIS where she was able to develop the originals produced under the Television, Arts and Sciences her teaching and pedagogic skills. new brand including American and BAFTA NY. Under her leadership at Télé-Québec, Ninja Warrior Junior and Top Chef projects such as « Mon ami Bulle », Junior. Brennan was appointed VP, content plateforms such as Content by Corus Entertainment in « Coucou », « Squat » or even 2016, overseeing all aspects of the « On parle de sexe » were launched Corus Kids portfolio in Canada, and have known a tremendous including YTV, Treehouse, success and recognition from the Nickelodeon, Teletoon, Cartoon mass audience. Network, Disney Channel and Disney Junior. Prior to joining Corus, she was Head of Children’s Television, ABC TV, leading programming, acquisition and commissioning for Australia’s most successful children’s services from 2013.

20 NADINE DUPONT Twenty-five years ago Nadine Dupont walked out of a second –year biochemistry class and into a Ottawa cable television studio, to pursue a passion for production. Today, she is a fearless executive champion of the creative process, an innovative risk taker and master producer of digital content who has MARYSOL CHARBONNEAU ALI J. EISNER has worked witnessed first-hand the amazing Director of Youth and Family extensively both in front of and transformation of GMTFO from a Programs, Télé-Québec – After behind the camera for more single television channel with a spending many years commis- than two decades as a Creative mandate for French-language sioning original content for VRAK. Producer, Writer, On-Air Puppeteer, educational broadcasting into a TV, managing youth content for Host, Director, Show Runner and multi-platform digital media the SRC or launching Yoopa, the Composer. 2019 Juno Award powerhouse reaching millions of first french preschool network in Winning and 3 time Gemini Award learners and media consumers Québec as the Chief of Program- nominee has both created and globally. In her role as GMTFO’s first ming, Marysol is now Director of scored network shows for CBC, –ever Director of TFO Originals, Youth and Family Programs for TVOntario, YTV, FOX, Disney, Nadine oversees the production of Télé-Québec, the no1 destination Nickelodeon and NBC. Highlights all digital and television content, for kids content in Quebec. From include extensive creative work motivating a talented team of a more personal perspective, she with musicians, collaborating in producers to keep pushing the has found the challenges she was a wide range of mediums. boundaries of what is creative, looking for raising her two children. Eisner identifies as Transgender/ disruptive and possible to achieve When she is not walking over small Non-Binary and brings awareness in the new multi-platform universe. toys at home or searching for to LGBTQ+ issues through their A winner of three consecutive the missing piece of a puzzle, she broadcasted works across a Gémeaux awards, she quickly delight herself looking for better multi-platform career. Their goal recognized the need to lever ways to connect kids content to an is to educate kids and adults in emerging technologies to expand always evolving audience. Because hopes that we can all learn to be audience reach, creating the first she believes that families’s reality ourselves, together. dedicated broadcast show website are always dynamic and changing. in 2002 and pushing content to mobile phones at the beginning of the smart phone era. Over the last five years, Nadine has nurtured the growth of GMTFO’s 15 Youtube channel networks, which together had over 300 million views in 2016, making GMTFO the most watched French-language content provider on Youtube.

21 FRANK FALCONE has been bringing film and television projects to life as an animator, director and executive producer for over 20 years. Under his creative vision, Guru Studio has become a leader in character-driven storytelling and SARAH HAASZ – After 20 years high quality animated entertain- as a Broadcast Executive for NATALIA ESCOBAR ment for kids and families around networks including YTV, Treehouse BOHORQUEZ is the Director of the world. Guru’s roster of hit shows TV, CBC Kids, Disney XD Canada, Strategy and Research at the include: True and the Rainbow Disney Jr Canada and most Writers Guild of Canada (WGC), Kingdom, Justin Time, Abby recently Family Channel, Sarah the organization representing Hatcher, Ever After High and the has taken her robust industry over 2,200 English-language worldwide mega-hit Paw Patrol. experience directly to kids screenwriters who write the Guru was also involved in the television production, creating distinctly Canadian entertainment production of Academy Award original IPs and assisting producers we enjoy on TV, movie screens, nominated film,The Breadwinner, in bringing their shows to fruition. radio and digital platforms. In her where Frank served as Executive Sarah is currently working with role, Ms. Escobar Bohorquez works Producer. The company is currently Cottonwood Media as a Creative closely with the Executive Director producing an original comedy- Producer on their North American in special projects to advance the adventure cartoon called Big Blue slate. As part of her network WGC’s strategic priorities, in for the CBC, and is preparing to portfolio, Sarah was involved in the addition to supporting different launch a brand new preschool execution of successful series and departments in their industrial, franchise called Pikwik Pack, movies including: The Next Step, Raising Expectations, Backstage, policy, and communications co-created by Frank Falcone and Gaming Show, Playdate and Justin activities. She is responsible for launching on Disney Junior US, Time. She was also Creative developing and executing Hulu and Treehouse in 2020. Producer for The Next Step Live On membership outreach strategic Stage Tour 2015. Over the course of initiatives which include organizing her career, Sarah is credited for her members events, visiting writers work on over 2,000+ hours of rooms, and managing mentorship children's programming in a variety and diversity programs. Ms. Escobar of genres. Sarah was an instructor Bohorquez is a 2016 MBA Graduate at Centennial College in Toronto for from the Rotman School of the Children's Entertainment Post Management. As a corporate Graduate Program and is currently lawyer in Columbia, Natalia worked on the board of the Youth Media in problem resolution, crisis Alliance. management, negotiations, and strategic planning.

22 MICHELE HENNESSY ADAM GARNET JONES Animation Executive for Amazon (Cree/Meìtis/ Danish) is a Prime Video (Special Projects, Two-Spirited screenwriter, director, Animation and Family), has built bead-worker and novelist from her 25 year career developing, Edmonton Alberta. Although he had executive producing kids content been making short films for quite with a specialty in preschool. She some time, Adam came into his currently oversees creative own as a filmmaker with the release MONIKA ILLE (Executive Director production on “Pete the Cat”, “The of his first feature, Fire Song, of Programming and Scheduling) Stinky and Dirty show”, “Give A at the Toronto International Film – Since 1990, Monika Ille has built a Mouse a Cookie” and the upcoming Festival in 2015. Fire Song went on rich and diverse background in the “Do, Re, Mi” show. Hennessy spent to win the Audience Choice Award media industry. Upon graduating ten years at Disney Jr. as Executive at ImagineNATIVE, before picking with distinction from the Université Director, Original Programming. In up three more audience choice du Québec à Montréal, she entered this role, she supervised develop- awards and two jury prizes for best the industry working first for the ment and creative production on film at other festivals. Before going Société Radio-Canada and then, Disney Junior series and shorts into production, the script for for the National Film Board of including, “Doc McStuffins”, “Goldie “Fire Song” won the Writer’s Guild Canada. During her employment and Bear”, “Sheriff Callie’s Wild of Canada’s Jim Burt Screenwriting with the NFB, she was instrumental West”, “Puppy Dog Pals” and Prize. Adam has recently shifted his in the development of a new "Special Agent Oso”. Hennessy also artistic practice away from writing training program for Indigenous worked for Disney in 1997 as and directing film and is focusing filmmakers. She has been with Director, Development, Walt Disney on writing fiction. His first novel, APTN for the past fifteen years. TV Animation/ABC, working on Fire Song (based on the film) was Monika is a citizen of the Abenaki series "Pepper Ann" and "101 published in the spring of 2018. First Nation of Odanak and worked Dalmatians”. Before her current role Publisher’s weekly called it “striking with Quebec Native Women and at Amazon, she was executive and remarkable” while the Globe the Assembly of First Nations. She producer for Warner Brothers and Mail said “Fire Song is sits on the Quebec Board of Animation developing, producing unquestionably necessary . . . Directors of the Academy of and writing. Michele began her because of its subject matter, Canadian Cinema & Television and career in animation working on the perspective and voice.” The book on the board of Théâtre ESPACE classic 90’s cartoons - "Doug", "Ren received a starred review from GO. She is an industry adjudicator & Stimpy","Rugrats" and "Hey Kirkus, and was named an honour on the Canadian Broadcast Arnold." She has been a writer, book from CODE’s Burt Award for Standards Council – Quebec producer, and executive but her First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Regional Panel as well as a member finest role is Mom to Abigail and Literature. It has topped of the Nominating and Governance two pugs! innumerable "best of" lists of the Committee at MediaSmarts. year's LGBT YA literature in the US and Canada. Adam is currently working to support Indigenous filmmakers at Telefilm Canada as Content Analyst and Indigenous Liaison.

23 J.J. JOHNSON is the creative MARIA KENNEDY is producer, force and founding partner of co-founder and owner of Little Sinking Ship Entertainment. He is Engine Moving Pictures, an Emmy award-winning executive a production company that producer and director, and Emmy- specializes in original live-action nominated writer, with international CGI-hybrid series for Kids and acclaim for over 15 series and 500 Family. Her first show, science- episode credits. He and Sinking inspired series Now You Know, DAVID KLEEMAN Ship Entertainment are globally co-created with writer-director Strategist, analyst, author, speaker, recognized for such successes as Ben Mazzotta and commissioned connector — David Kleeman has Annedroids, Odd Squad and the by TVOKids in 2014, was led the children’s media industry Dino Dan and Dino Dana series. He nominated for a Prix Jeunesse and in developing sustainable, has been lauded by the Hollywood Banff International Pilot Award, child-friendly practices for more Reporter as one of the Top 20 under and was licensed to over 100 than 35 years. He began this work 35. Among his many accolades, territories worldwide. Little Engine as president of the American J.J. has won a total of 6 Daytime also created and produced TVO’s Center for Children and Media and Emmy Awards, including Canada Crew for Canada150, and is now Senior Vice President of Outstanding Series in all 3 children’s Cutie Pugs, a positional language Global Trends for Dubit, a strategy/ categories (preschool, family and learning series with interactive research consultancy and digital educational). He made Emmy games, which was nominated for studio. When he began, “children’s Award history in 2015 and again two YMA Awards, and won the 2019 media” meant television. Today, in 2019 for being nominated YMA Award for Best Interactive he is fascinated by, and passionate three times in the same directing Preschool content and a W3 Silver about, kids’ wide range of category for different series, going Award for Best Digital Content. possibilities for entertainment, on to win the award each time. Prior to creating in the Kids media engagement, play and learning. Known for making progressive space, Maria produced branded David uses research, insights and and inclusive choices in his work media content for 3M, Walmart and experience to show that much on-screen, J.J. is committed to Toys R Us; and executive-produced may change, but children’s increasing the diversity of voices documentary DiverseCity for OMNI developmental path and needs both on and off the screen. As such, TV, and The Limits, a feature film remain constant. David is advisory he has created initiatives at Sinking following people from diverse board chair to the international Ship to mentor and hire more cultural and economic backgrounds children’s TV festival PRIX women directors and diverse in Toronto, which she licensed JEUNESSE and on the Board of writers. J.J. actively lends his to SuperChannel, winning Best the 2021 World Summit on Media perspective within the media Canadian Drama at Reelworld Film for Children in Dublin, Ireland. He’s industry, academia, and beyond. Festival and Best DV Feature Film also on Boards for the National He has co-authored multiple at the Los Angeles Digital Video Association for Media Literacy academic papers and has been a Film Festival. A Filipino-Canadian Education and the Children’s guest speaker at institutions such originally from Marystown, Media Association. David travels as the Geena Davis Institute, Newfoundland, Maria is committed worldwide seeking best practices the International Communication to creating content that celebrates in children’s entertainment and Association, and the United inclusion and diversity, and she is learning. He has spoken (and, National Headquarters in Geneva. passionate about advocating for more important, listened!) on six He is also the co-chair of the onscreen and off-screen gender continents and writes extensively Youth Media Alliance in Canada. parity in the media industry. for varied audiences.

24 worked with Native Women in the Arts, Luminato Festival, TIFF and Inside Out LGBT Film Festival. She has written for the Baroness von Sketch show, and was a creative consultant on the CBC show Tallboyz. She began her role as Coordinator for the Indigenous Screen Office in 2019.

BRANDON LANE – Daytime Emmy nominee and 5-time Canadian Comedy Award nominee Brandon Lane is a showrunner, director, screenwriter and JP LAROCQUE Development Producer at Nelvana. Alongside his work on the Netflix Brandon has overseen the Originals Slasher and Another Life, production of over 360 hours of JP Larocque is the creator of the content, collaborating with partners OUTtv digital series Gay Nerds, and like Disney, Netflix, HBO, Cartoon a published writer of non-fiction Network, Nickelodeon, Sesame is an (“Love in Alderaan Places” from the MARNEY MALABAR Workshop and Sony Pictures award-winning kid’s media producer Dark Horse collection The Secret Animation. He showruns the who has contributed to making Loves of Geeks) and research- Youth Media Alliance Award of TVOkids the “most trusted” and based journalism (Toronto Star, Excellence-winning preschool The Huffington Post, Flare, Daily “most educational” media brand for series 'Miss Persona'. He is also children among Ontarians (Source: Xtra, The Beaverton). Committed to co-showrunner on 'D.N. Ace' for Vision Critical, 2014). As part of diverse representation in media, Nelvana. Brandon previously had the TVO team for more than two JP has worked in the casting and a 5-year stint as production decades and 4 time Gemini Award development of lifestyle television, executive for YTV, Teletoon, winner as well as International Emmy as an on-screen personality for the Treehouse and Adult Swim Canada, winner Marney has created excellent MTV/Logo series 1 Girl 5 Gays, and is overseeing production for 'Hotel children’s educational content in an part of the visioning committee for Transylvania', 'Inspector Gadget', ever-evolving digital space, helping the organization BIPOC TV & Film. 'Cupcake & Dino: General Services' kids to be successful both inside (which New York Times named one and outside the classroom. In her of the best new shows of 2018) role as Director, KidsTV, Marney is and many other series . He is also responsible for overseeing TVOkids’ showrunner, director and co-cre- internationally recognized original ator of Space Dragon & Kim, a web content, co-productions and series for the Shaftesbury Kids acquisitions. In June 2017 Marney YouTube channel. Prior to working was awarded her Masters of for Corus, he creative produced and Education from the University of wrote for YTV's 'Numb Chucks', as Toronto and continues to weave her well as co-created and creative love of learning and enthusiasm to produced YTV's 'Cache Craze'. He entertain and engage children into has also written for Sinking Ship's all aspects of every production MEG MACKAY is an arts Emmy-winning 'Dino Dana' and CBC she collaborates on. administrator, event coordinator, Kids' 'What's Your News?'. Brandon and television writer of mixed L'nuk/ recently wrote and directed an Scottish ancestry. She's worked with award-winning musical film called the Ontario Arts Council's Indigenous 'Princess Sparkly Butt & The Hot Dog Culture Fund supporting Community, Kid', adapted from an award- Culture and Way of Life Projects. winning Fringe play he also As an event coordinator, she's wrote and directed.

25 Hallmark/Muse Entertainment. Since then, they have taken a vertical leap, creating, writing and co-executive producing on the teen dram RIDE with Breakthrough Entertainment and Nickelodeon and co-creating, writing and executive producing an original teen series FIND ME IN PARIS, with Cottonwood Media, ZDF and Disney. They are also developing another teen project with NOUR MALLOUH is a writer Cottonwood Media, as well as a with a passion for meaningful and 1 hour drama with Two in Hand diverse stories. She recently won Media. the YMA Andra Sheffer Scholarship MICHELLE MELANSON for the strength of her kids show. has over 25 years experience in the To date, Nour has worked on a production business with hundreds diverse slate of projects, including of episodes produced and over 50 documentary, children’s programs, awards and nominations, including and factual series. She has written both Emmy and BAFTA nomina- Season 3 of TVO's YOUniverse; tions. Her first credit was on the adapted 10 episodes of TFO’s PBS series Shining Time Station ScienceXplosion into English; edited starring George Carlin. From there pitch documents and worked on the she worked on many children’s development of a CBC Documen- shows in the 1990’s including tary for GAPC Entertainment; and Groundling Marsh, Real Kids Real written episode springboards for MARIE MCCANN is the Senior Adventures, Zoboomafoo and The Victory Arts’ school-aged science Director of Children's Content Adventures of Dudley the Dragon. and technology property. Nour also for CBC Kids. Marie oversees Since then, Michelle has worked edits literary agency, The Rights development, production, with Nelvana, CBC, Cookie Jar Factory’s, clients’ manuscripts and acquisition as well as in-house Entertainment, and Radical Sheep has over three years experience production of our-award Productions, developing, producing working with children, which helps winning content. and executive producing a wide her connect to her target audience. What are we looking for? variety of children’s television As Canada's national public including famliar titles such as broadcaster, CBC is committed Rescue Heroes, Cyberchase, The to excellence and innovation in Berenstain Bears, George Shrinks, children's and youth media and The Next Step, and the award to reaching our audience across winning Stella and Sam. Michelle has multiple platforms: won the Canadian Screen award, TV Mornings the Grand Prize of the Youth Media - up to age 8, CBC GEM Alliance, multiple Kidscreen Awards - 8 and under, 8 and Cynopsis Awards. She also has - 13, 13+, cbckids.ca a Juno Award for producing the - up to age 10, cbckidsnews.ca Stella and Sam Album. Michelle is - ages 9 – 13, cbcparents.ca also the Founder of Women Drawn - parents and caregivers. Together a free organization that LORI MATHER is one part of the dynamic duo with Jill Girling. The fosters learning, networking and pair have worked together for over mentorship for Women in the a decade. They got their start by Animation community. In the past optioning a feature script to Julia four years, the group has grown to Roberts Production Company Red 4 cities and over 1500 members. Om Films and writing a MOW for

26 PETER MOSS has worked in the field of children’s entertainment for over 30 years. In television NADIA MIKE is an Inuit he has worked in both private educator, who recently graduated and public broadcasting. He has with a bachelor of education from been Creative Head of Children’s the University of Regina. Although Programming for the Canadian Nadia has lived in many Broadcasting Corporation, V.P of communities across the North, Programming and Production for she considers Iqaluit, Nunavut, her YTV and Treehouse TV, and more is a home. Nadia has two daughters, recently Executive Vice President ZALIKA REID-BENTA Toronto-based writer whose debut Leah and Jaime, who constantly of Programming and Development short story collection FRYING teach her to be less serious and for all Corus TV channels. He is a PLANTAIN was longlisted for enjoy every day. These two girls multiple Gemini nominee and a the 2019 Scotiabank Giller Prize. have also reminded Nadia of the Daytime Emmy Award winner. Mr. FRYING PLANTAIN has been on importance of children's literature, Moss is actively involved in the numerous “must read” lists from and having stories with settings, domestic and international Bustle, Refinery29, Chatelaine characters, and themes that children’s and family production Magazine, Toronto Star, Globe and show children that their lives and community and over the years Mail and more. She was the June cultures are important enough to his expertise in broadcasting and 2019 Writer in Residence for Open be in books. Nadia loves to travel, production has led to invitations to Book and she was listed in CBC’s cook, sew, and drink strong coffee. numerous industry events. He was “6 Canadian Writers to Watch In 2014, Nadia published her first a keynote speaker at several in 2019”. She received an MFA in book, an Inuktitut-language first- conferences around the world. He fiction from Columbia University, words board book. In 2016, she has been a panelist at the First was the 2019 John Gardner Fiction published Leah's Mustache Party, World Summit for Children and Fellow at the Breadloaf Writers' her first picture book, followed by Television in Melbourne, the Second Conference and is an alumnus of Ukaliq and Kalla Go Fishing in 2017. World Summit in London, England the 2017 Banff Writers' Studio. Nadia wrote and directed the short and the Third World Summit in She is currently working on a film Ukaliq and Kalla Go Fishing Toronto. He has also participated in young-adult fantasy novel drawing (2017) based on her book. She was the Children’s View conferences inspiration from Jamaican folklore. a writer on the children’s TV Series, sponsored by NHK (Japanese Anaana's Tent, airing on APTN public Broadcaster) in Mainz, April 2018. Germany; Melbourne, Australia and Pittsburgh, United States. He has been a Moderator at the Prix Jeunesse in Munich (the premiere world competition for Children’s programming) and had two of his productions entered into official competition. He is the recipient of an Outstanding Achievement Award from the Alliance for Children and Television, and a Tribute Issue from Playback Magazine.

27 of Excellence by the Digi Awards, an Outstanding Achievement Award from the Youth Media Alliance, and has been inducted as an Industry Builder into the Playback Hall of Fame.

ANDRA SHEFFER is the CEO of BRAD PETTINGELL the Independent Production Fund Associate Director, Current Series, which invests in scripted short- PBS KIDS – Since joining the form drama series (web series) Children’s Programming team in created for digital platforms. The 2003, Brad has been the executive IPF has invested $17M in 140 web in charge of production on more series since 2010. The IPF also has than 700 episodes of educational a funding stream for the production kids content and two dozen CARLOS PACHECO has over of television drama, which is funded longform specials. His series 16 years of experience in marketing, by Cogeco Communications. include: Wild Kratts, Nature Cat, content optimization, audience She was the founding Executive Dinosaur Train, and The Cat in development, and paid media Director of the Bell Fund (1997- the Hat, as well as the Daytime marketing strategy. He spent 2014) which supported interactive Emmy-winning WordGirl and the first 13 years of his career on digital media projects associated Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. This the agency side at Cossette and with Canadian television programs. November he will be working with Touché! Media working on local Previously, she was the founding bestselling author, Brad Meltzer, and national brand campaigns. Executive Director of the Academy to bring the book series Ordinary Later he moved content-side, of Canadian Cinema and Television People Change the World to the building online audiences for Just producing the annual Genie and PBS KIDS lineup in the form of For Laughs Gags on YouTube, Gemini Awards (now the Canadi- Xavier Riddle and the Secret growing their audience from an Screen Awards). She lectures Museum. 300k to almost 4M in just over on the business of television and a year turning the channel into digital media and is the editor of a new brand and monetization publications about the business of platform. From there, he moved TV and digital media production: to Toronto and worked at Boat New Media, New Business: The Rocker Media where he helped Producer’s Guide (2001), Create a build the foundation of their Winning Proposal – the Handbook digital content management for New Media Producers (1999) process as well as building online and the co-editor of MAKING IT: The business of film and television audiences for various media production in Canada (1986 & properties such as Orphan Black, 1995). She also served as Managing X Company, The Next Step, and the Director of the Toronto International launch awareness strategy for Lost Film Festival, with the federal & Found Music Studios on Netflix. DR. COLLEEN government as a Certification He currently works with and advises RUSSO-JOHNSON is Head of Research for Sinking Officer setting up the original content owners and distributors Ship Entertainment, the research CAVCO office (and Canadian on YouTube and monetization director for the Ryerson Children's content “point” system), and at the strategies. He’s also a partner at Media Lab, and a senior fellow Film Festivals Bureau promoting Truly Inc, a strategic insights firm for the Center for Scholars and Canadian films internationally. She where he oversees all audience Storytellers at UCLA. She has an has been awarded the Digital Media development strategies. expertise in traditional media, new Trail Blazer award by the Academy technology, and inclusive content. of Canadian Cinema and Television, the Champion of Digital Innovation Tribute at Merging Media, an Award

28 JERRY THEVENET RICHARD YOUNG Indigenous Writer, Director and Screenwriter & Actor Of South Producer – Born in NunatuKavut, Asian (Indo-Caribbean) of both European and indigenous background, Richard is a both a descent, Jerry has always had a Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) profound interest in his indigenous ADAM WOODGATE has nearly member and the ACTRA Toronto heritage. In 2002, after 15 years as 30 years media and marketing Treasurer. In the children's television a graphic designer, Jerry decided experience, 10 years of which was landscape, he wrote for the to pursue his lifelong ambition and spent in senior operational roles. multicultural television cartoon launched JERRYCO ANIMATION, Initially spending time in audience "16 Hudson" (TVO), was a story Canada’s first indigenous owned research for LWT, he then moved editor for "Miss Persona" and operated animation studio. into creating content for (Treehouse), and is an alumnus Since then Jerry has written, broadcasters firstly working in the of the Black, Indigenous & People directed and produced over US and subsequently in the UK. of Colour (BIPOC) Kid's TV Writing 200 episodes of indigenous In 2001 he retuned to an audience Bootcamp. Richard also wrote television and is currently working insight as Group Head of Research the Caribbean-Canadian short on completing his first animated coordinate research in support "Maternal" (Winner: Best Short, feature. Dedicated to the of Emap’s (now Bauer) broadcast CaribbeanTales International Film preservation of indigenous properties. Following a period of Festival) and co-created/wrote the languages and cultures, all of time spent with Guardian Media Chinese-Canadian digital series Jerry’s productions feature Group, he went on to work in insight "Sudden Master" (OMNI/Rogers). indigenous characters and settings, on many global and kids’ brands for "Kandu Attitude", the South and are available in an indigenous BBC Worldwide. Adam joined Dubit Asian-Canadian sitcom pilot script language (in addition to English in 2013 bringing his knowledge of he cowrote, was a Pitch Finalist in and French). programming, content creation and Just For Laughs ComedyPRO, a media research to the many client Quarter-Finalist in the Final Draft projects he’s managed. He also Big Break Screenwriting Contest, heads up Dubit Trends - the largest and a WGC Diversity Script of the global children’s media trends Month selection. Richard’s acting tracker, now covering 17 countries. credits include Jett (Cinemax), He works closely with broadcasters, Taken (NBC), Kim's Convenience publishers, media buyers and (NetflixCBC),Endlings (Hulu-CBC), content creators advising on Incorporated (SyFy) and The Strain strategy based on media (FX). Additionally, Richard consumption and emerging trends co-spearheaded the Ontario ACTRA Census, an Ontario Creates-funded research project that assessed Ontario screen performer demographics as well as wage and opportunity gaps.

29 national bureaus. Revisiting those roots, he executive produced and co-wrote the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award-winning CBC documentary, Braindamadj’d…Take II, which won two Geminis, the Japan Prize’s Grand Prix as well as multiple awards at international festivals in Australia, Russia and Brussels.

GABRIELLE ZILKHA is an JONATHAN FINKELSTEIN award-winning filmmaker and In 2000, Jonathan Finkelstein media educator born to a family launched a creative hub, of funny neurotics in Montreal Apartment 11, in his hometown, whom she credits for her love of Montreal. Finkelstein has developed, storytelling and addiction to carbs. written and/or produced more than Passionate about equity and 400 hours of international promoting diversity in the media award-winning series such as the industry, Gabrielle works as the drama series Big Top Academy with Programs Director for POV Cirque du Soleil (Discovery Kids, 3rd Street, an organization TVOKids), Prank Patrol (YTV), one PAM WESTMAN dedicated to helping young of Canada’s first kids’ series to be As President of Nelvana, Pam adults from under-represented formatted and sold to CBBC and oversees both the animation studio communities break into the ABC Australia, Mystery Hunters and business arms of Nelvana. Prior screen-based industries through (Discovery Kids, YTV), broadcast to this position, Pam was Head free training, career mentorship worldwide on Discovery, the of Nelvana Enterprises where she and job placement. Gabrielle is large-scale reality competition was instrumental in establishing passionate about telling stories series In Real Life (YTV), Surprise! and expanding Nelvana’s brand with heart and humour. Most It’s Edible! Incredible! (CBC), development and monetization recently, she wrote and directed the Finding Stuff Out and The Mystery of the Nelvana portfolio, including broadcast documentary feature Files (TVOKids), Look Kool/C’est licensing, marketing, content sales, Queering the Script (Hollywood Wow! (TVOKids, TFO), docu- and digital on a global basis. Pam Suite, Shaftesbury 2019) about the mentary series YAA! To the M@X brings over 20 years of experience rise of queer fandom and LGBTQ+ (YTV), the multi-platform property within the kid’s entertainment representation on scripted TV. Cross Country Fun Hunt (CBC), the industry, managing key children’s Prior to this, she produced and adult targeted docu-soap Way Off brands and their revenue streams. directed the broadcast feature Broadway (Bravo/CTV) and Rank Before joining Nelvana, Pam was documentary Doing Jewish: A the Prank (CBBC and Nickelodeon). the Managing Director of Staples Story From Ghana (2016) about a Finkelstein began his career in Canada’s brand marketing division, small tribe in Ghana on a journey entertainment programming pro- SPP and was also a lead executive of self-discovery after recently ducing a weekly consumer affairs within their Canadian M&A team. discovering their Jewish roots. series for teens, Street Cents (CBC). Prior to that she was the Executive Other notable credits include the It ran for a total of 17 seasons and Vice President of HIT Entertainment, CBC digital series Queer (Self) won dozens of awards including a global entertainment company Portraits (TO Webfest Award for five Geminis and a gold medal at responsible for landmark children’s Best LGBT Series 2017) and her the New York International Film content, including Bob the Builder, short comedy Stop Calling Me and TV Festival. He also produced, Barney and Friends and Thomas Honey Bunny (2013) which was wrote and story edited the the Tank Engine. At Hit, she led the shortlisted for the Iris Prize and the hit technology series Popular Canadian, U.S., and Latin American recipient of multiple audience and Mechanics for Kids (Global TV, divisions through a period of strong jury awards. Hearst). Finkelstein has a growth and was part of the senior background as a journalist, executive team that completed reporting and producing the sale of HIT to Mattel. for CBC’s local, regional and

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