Montreal PROGRAM November 19-21, 2014 Programme-en-final.indd 1 13/11/14 17:10:26 THANKS to the 2014 MÉDiA-JeUnEs SpOnSoRs MAIN SPONSOR PRESTIGE SPONSORS EXCELLENCE SPONSORS 2 Programme-en-final.indd 2 13/11/14 17:10:27 SPECIAL THANKS Youth Media Alliance would like to warmly thank its 2014 Média-Jeunes advisory committee: JUDITH BEAUREGARD / Tobo GUYLAINE ROBIDOUX / ToonDraw PASCALE CUSSON / Au-delà du réal DANIELLE THÉRIAULT / Teridan Productions JEAN-PHILIPPE MARIN / mbiance DOMINIQUE MENDEL / Echo Media PIERRE MOISAN / Frima Studio JULIE TOUPIN / Émissions jeunesse, Radio- Canada TABLE OF CONTENTS Words from Co-Chairs . .4 Word from Executive Director . 6. Words from Sponsors . 7. Schedule and Venue . .12 General Conference . 14 Workshop with Frank van Keeken . 18 Workshop with Dr . Irene Wellershoff . .18 Prix Jeunesse Screening . .19 Speakers’ Biographies . 23. YOUTH MEDIA ALLIANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Directors Co-Chairs GUILLAUME ANIORTÉ / Frima Studio MICHÈLE FORTIN / Télé-Québec CAROLE BONNEAU / TÉLÉTOON, J.J. JOHNSON / Sinking Ship Entertainment TÉLÉTOON Rétro Secretary MICHAEL GOLDSMITH / DHX MICHELE PARIS / Knowledge & BBC kids MADELEINE LÉVESQUE / Sardine Productions Treasurer IRA LEVY / Breakthrough Entertainment / 9 Story Entertainment VINCE COMMISSO PETER MOSS / PDM Entertainment JAMIE PIEKARZ / Corus Entertainment ALEXANDRA RAFFÉ / Thunderbird Films KIM WILSON / CBC Television YMA OFFICE TEAM CHANTAL BOWEN / Executive Director GENEVIÈVE BRAULT / Special Events and Communications Coordinator MANON GLAUDEN / Intern 3 Programme-en-final.indd 3 13/11/14 17:10:27 WORDS fRoM tHe Co-ChaiRs I can’t tell you what an inspiring opportunity these Média-Jeunes conferences provide by bringing together creative professionals from a wide range of disciplines to focus on improving the quality of our youth production across all platforms . The wealth of talent, the passion that comes across in discussions, and the steadfast commitment of all participants to delivering outstanding original productions for young audiences – all of this represents a one-of-a-kind platform in itself . This conference will generate fresh ideas, provide a sampling of screen-based youth productions from around the world, and allow us to reflect on how best to design and promote the programs and digital content we create for Canadian children . As co-chair of Youth Media Alliance, I thank you for contributing to the vitality of our offering for young audiences and encourage you to take full advantage of this event and the many productive discussions that are sure to ensue . Enjoy! MICHÈLE FORTIN 4 Programme-en-final.indd 4 13/11/14 17:10:45 WORDS fRoM tHe Co-ChaiRs I know what you’re thinking, will the series I’ve had in development for two years finally get greenlit? How will I make up my budget’s 20% shortfall? Will my channel be auctioned off or have its hours reduced? Where do I find an HTML5 programmer? Or, if you’re a student here with us, where can I find the cheapest alcohol tonight? You, I envy . For the rest of us, I implore you, just for today – let it go . Dim the noise of the outside business world and remind yourself why you got into this crazy field in the first place . Remember that what you make is important and has a meaningful impact on your audience . Whether it’s teaching them about the outside world or giving them a break in their lives with a laugh – everything you do brightens a kid’s day . The YMA Conference is unique in that its focus is squarely on how to improve what we all make . How do we connect better to our audience? Understand what they need? How do we tell grander, more emotional stories? Where should be taking some risks? How are we winning and how are we losing? And ultimately, how do we serve our audience better, because they’re worth the extra effort . Thank you so much for joining us here today, I hope you have an incredible conference . J.J. JOHNSON 5 Programme-en-final.indd 5 13/11/14 17:11:00 WORD fRoM tHe ExEcUtIvE DiReCtOr Média-Jeunes 1974-2014 2014 marks YMA’s 40th anniversary . The Awards of Excellence gala in May provided an opportunity to celebrate our top productions and look back at everything we’ve accomplished over the years . Média-Jeunes continues to fulfill its mission of representing industry professionals who stand out for their boldness and originality . We regularly take part in the broadcast regulatory process by appearing before the CRTC, but the landscape has sfifted and we need to work more effectively to find new approaches to meet the industry’s changing needs . It’s with this goal in mind that we’re announcing the publication of a reference document that provides quality and regulatory guidelines for youth digital productions; the kit will become an essential tool for all game and app producers in 2015 . With Dr . Irene Wellershoff, head of ZDF’s youth fiction department, Mark Osborne, director of The Little Prince animated feature, Jean-François Pouliot, director of the animated remake of The Dog Who Stopped the War, Amazon Studios’ Tara Sorenson, Prix Jeunesse’s David Kleeman, and a host of other distinguished guests, we’ll be in good company . The conference will also be a good time to take stock of the full range of media platforms . In closing, I’d like to sincerely thank the Board of Directors, the Advisory Committee, all of our sponsors and especially CBC/Radio-Canada, which, as main sponsor once again this year, works tirelessly to support the development of the youth production industry . Hope you enjoy the event! CHANTAL BOWEN 6 Programme-en-final.indd 6 13/11/14 17:11:15 WORDS FrOm tHe SpOnSoRs We are very pleased to welcome you all to the 2014 Média-Jeunes Conference at Maison de Radio-Canada in Montreal . Along with Télé-Québec, ICI Radio-Canada Télé remains one of the few conventional television networks in the country that continues to air programming specifically intended for young viewers . Naturally, this programming is just one component of a broader multiplatform approach that includes an enriching digital offering for our youngest audiences, with original content and other products that are an extension of our TV offering . The public broadcaster strives to have a positive influence on the lives of young French speakers across the country, while supporting their development as individuals and future active members of the community . It’s an essential part of our mandate as public broadcaster . That’s why Radio-Canada has enthusiastically partnered with Youth Media Alliance for this conference . It’s an excellent place for discussion and reflection on this crucial transition phase for our industry, which is largely being driven by children’s and teens’ media behaviours . LOUIS LALANDE Executive Vice-President, Radio-Canada 7 Programme-en-final.indd 7 13/11/14 17:11:30 WORDS FrOm tHe SpOnSoRs The Média-Jeunes Conference is finally here! Part showcase, part happening and part think-in, Média-Jeunes provides conference-goers and speakers alike with a unique opportunity to discuss, ponder, and actively participate in analyzing and developing the content that ends up on all screens – screens that have become second nature to today’s kids, who handle them like a familiar toy . Through the quality of its work, the Alliance plays an essential unifying role for all professionals who write and produce linear and interactive stories, games, and all other types of content that educate and entertain children, their friends, and families . The conference is a chance to take time out to immerse ourselves in some highly relevant topics for our industry, and get inspired by works from all over the world . It’s a real privilege to attend this event and we’re proud to be long-standing members of the extended Alliance family . Have a great conference! CLAIRE DION Independent Production Fund Bell Fund 8 Programme-en-final.indd 8 13/11/14 17:11:44 WORDS FrOm tHe SpOnSoRs The Canada Media Fund (CMF) is proud to take part, for a 5th consecutive year, in the Youth Media Alliance Conference . Events like these are a great opportunity for us to work with the industry to share expertise, knowledge and talent that have made Canadian Children’s and Youth productions renowned at home and abroad . Since 2010, the CMF has contributed $230 million to 319 Children’s and Youth productions that have delighted and thrilled young viewers in our country and in 34 regions worldwide . In 2013-2014, CMF contributions triggered $248 million in production budget, an all-time high for the Children’s and Youth genre . From coast to coast, Canadians are creating success stories that audiences are watching on screen everywhere . The CMF is thrilled to support their efforts . VALERIE CREIGHTON President and CEO Canada Media Fund 9 Programme-en-final.indd 9 13/11/14 17:11:59 WORDS FrOm tHe SpOnSoRs Groupe Média TFO is proud to contribute to the ongoing success of the Média-Jeunes Conference . TFO has been serving young French-speaking audiences for over 25 years . With our industry in a state of constant flux, we decided to undertake a digital transformation in 2010 . We’ve since opened hundreds of windows on the web, mobile platforms and social media, offering a wide range of innovative, educational content . We support young people in their learning and build trust with their parents, by delivering smart, entertaining, multiplatform programming that can be accessed anywhere, anytime . The Média-Jeunes Conference is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for us to come together to think, share, and innovate so that we can continue to produce content that expands the minds of children for generations to come .