Banff World Television Festival
 

 

Speakers at Banff 2009 | International Program Executives & Broadcasters | Companies at Banff 2009

BANFF presents the highest caliber of speakers: international broadcasters, cross-platform producers, distributors, content-creators and industry visionaries take the stage to offer their perspectives on the changing face of television.

Sarah Adams
Head
Development Breakthrough Entertainment

Canada

Sarah Adams is BREAKTHROUGH’s Head of Development. Working with BREAKTHROUGH’s in-house team of Executive Producers and development executives, Sarah manages the company’s extensive and diverse development slate in factual, kids and drama.

She enjoys working with independent producer...
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Jesse Albert
Agent
ICM

USA

An interactive marketer with over a decade working in digital media, Jesse Albert has extensive experience creating innovative digital strategy and multi-platform or transmedia extensions on behalf of world leading artists, corporations and intellectual properties or media.

At ICM, A...
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Jeff Alpern
President
The Alpern Group

USA

Jeff Alpern is the founder and president of The Alpern Group (“TAG”), a talent agency specializing in the representation of writers, directors and producers in both the U.S. and Canada. TAG employs three full time agents and has a roster of over 75 clients, with offices in both Los Angeles and Toron...
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Paul Altilia
Business Agent
Member and Labour Relations Directors Guild of Canada, BC

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Dante Anderson
VP
Product Development Kuma Reality Games

Canada

Dante is a veteran of the video games industry with nearly 15 years of product development and technical project management experience. As a Senior Producer for GT Interactive, Dante oversaw the development of such best-selling titles as the one million plus seller "Duke Nukem: A Time to Kill", "Nam...
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Finn Arnesen
SVP
GM Original Series & International Development, Cartoon Network & Boomerang Turner Entertainment Networks International

UK

Finn Arnesen is tasked with increasing original content by developing more wholly owned and co-produced content. He also plays a key role in the distribution of Turner’s original content to third parties throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
Arnesen joined Turner in 1993 and was ins...
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Agnes Augustin
President
Shaw Rocket Fund

Canada

Since 2004, Agnes Augustin has proudly overseen the Shaw Rocket Fund with its commitment to be a champion of Canadian children’s and youth programming through the Fund’s investments and with the launch the much celebrated Shaw Rocket Prize, now it its fifth year. Her ongoing dedication to increase ...
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Rene Balcer
Executive Producer and Writer
Law and Order

USA

Emmy Award-winning writer/producer Rene Balcer is a native of Montreal, Canada who began his media career as a combat cameraman during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Balcer worked as a journalist and documentary filmmaker in Montreal before moving to Los Angeles in 1980 to write and develop feature films...
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David Baldwin
EVP
Program Planning Home Box Office

USA

Dave Baldwin is Executive Vice President, Program Planning for Home Box Office. His responsibilities include the development and production of program schedules for the fifteen HBO and Cinemax multi channel networks, the management of video assets for HBO and Cinemax On Demand and the HBO Mobile wi...
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Ken Bautista
CEO & Executive Producer
Hotrocket

Hotrocket (www.hotrocket.ca) is an independent production company focused on original cross-platform interactive entertainment for kids. The company's flagship property, CIE (Central Institute for Exploration) is a multiplatform spy-fi adventure series that takes kids into the world of a secret agen...
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Kevin Beggs
President
Television Programming & Production Lionsgate

USA

Kevin Beggs is President of Television Programming & Production for Lionsgate with responsibility for development and production of series, movies for television, miniseries, limited series and reality programs for both domestic and international distribution. Elevated to his current position in Fe...
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Ron Berryman
SVP and GM
FIM Digital Publishing Group FOX Interactive Media

USA

Ron Berryman serves as Senior Vice President, GM of FIM Digital Publishing Group for FOX Interactive Media, where he guides the online strategic direction of FOX’s 24 owned and operated television stations, as well as the network’s 180+ affiliates. Ron previously founded and served as CEO of Sidere...
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Ben Bishop
Sales Executive & Acquisitions Manager
E1 Television International

Canada

Ben Bishop is responsible for all sales within Canada, Asia, Africa, Greece, Israel, Turkey, and the Middle East. Ben also plays a key role in program acquisition by developing and maintaining strategic partnerships with third party producers as we expand our growing catalogue of programming. He jo...
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Mark Bishop
Executive Producer/Partner
marblemedia

Canada

As partner and co-founder of marblemedia Mark is responsible for building strong relationships with broadcasters, content developers, technology partners and investors. Mark plays a key role in developing both television and interactive projects that tell unique stories across multiple platforms. At...
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The Honourable Lindsay Blackett
Alberta Minister of Culture & Community Spirit
Government of Alberta (Minister Blackett will be attending as many events as his schedule allows.)

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Norm Bolen
President and CEO
Canadian Film and Television Production Association

Canada

Norm Bolen is the President and CEO of the Canadian Film and Television Production Association. He joined the association in April 2009 after a lengthy career in broadcasting and journalism. He oversees the national operations of the CFTPA in Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa, and will be based in Ott...
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David W. Brady
Co-Founder and Executive Producer
Cream Productions

Canada

A creative and entrepreneurial producer, David has over 16 years experience within the film and television industry. While working in both dramatic and documentary genres, David has developed, financed and produced a large array of high-end international projects. In 1996 David co-founded the Toront...
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Kaz Brecher
Program Manager
Schematic

USA

Kaz Brecher is a Program Manager at the Schematic headquarters in Los Angeles, acting as a senior guiding force. Offering strategic and creative thinking, Kaz manages complex, multi-disciplinary projects with the flexibility to lead diverse and dynamic teams, delivering balanced and integrated solu...
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Nicolas Brown
Director
Drama Production BBC

UK

Nicolas Brown is responsible for in-house drama within England and delivers over 300 hours to the BBC channels every year. Over the past two years he has overseen a run of success in terms of commissions won, audience and award success across a range of output from EastEnders to Cranford and BBC Fou...
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Rick Campanelli
Host
Entertainment Tonight Canada

Canada

Already one of Canada’s most popular TV personalities when he began with ET Canada in September 2005, Rick Campanelli’s on-air career started after winning the 1994 MuchMusic Temp contest. His easygoing, up-front style quickly made him a favourite of television viewers from coast-to-coast. From his ...
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Adrian Capobianco
President
Quizative Inc.

Canada

Adrian’s career has focused on the interchange of business, technology and marketing throughout a decade and-a-half of roles at IBM, Rare Medium, Publicis, and FUSE Marketing Group. As a digital marketing pioneer, Adrian has been featured in publications such as Marketing Magazine, Strategy Magazine...
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Craig Cegielski
Executive Vice President, Programming & Sales
Lionsgate International Television

USA

Since launching Lionsgate International Television in 2005, production and distribution veteran Craig Cegielski has played an integral part on the executive team that strategically repositioned parent company Lionsgate as a studio that specializes in signature programming for premium networks. In h...
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Glenn Cockburn
Agent
Meridian Artists

Canada

Glenn Cockburn is a literary agent at Meridian Artists, an agency he founded in 2005.
Glenn’s career started at New Line Cinema where he ran Templeton Productions for two years. In 1999 he joined The Characters Talent Agency in Toronto, where he ran the Packaging Department and operated the...
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Vince Commisso
President and CEO
9 Story Entertainment

Canada

Vince is a co-founding partner and President & CEO of 9 Story Entertainment. He began his career at Nelvana LIMITED, where he earned one Emmy® and two Gemini® nominations before leaving his position as Supervising Producer in 1999. He then assumed the role of President & CEO of Blab Media Inc., a Fl...
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Colleen Conway
Director
Non-Fiction and Alternative Programming A&E Television Network

USA

Colleen Conway, Director of Non-Fiction and Alternative Programming at A&E Network, develops and oversees non-fiction series for A&E and Bio Channel. Representing AETN’s non-fiction programming family, Colleen is the Executive Producer of "Intervention" and Executive Producer in charge of day-to-day...
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Kevin Cooper
Agent
CAA

USA

Kevin Cooper is a television agent at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), an entertainment and sports agency based in Los Angeles, California with offices in Nashville, New York City, London, and Beijing. Cooper works in the Los Angeles office and primarily represents writers, producers and directors. He...
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Sarah Cooper
Agent
The Saint Agency

Canada

Sarah Cooper is an agent with The Saint Agency, representing writers, directors, editors and production designers in the film and television industry. Sarah cut her professional teeth in writing and publishing, managing Margaret Atwood’s company for more than eight years and selling and promoting C...
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David Cormican
Head
Development Minds Eye Entertainment

Canada

As Head of Development for Minds Eye Entertainment, Cormican oversees the development, financing and production of over 30 projects, including feature films, mini-series, lifestyle and scripted television, with budgets ranging from $5-50 Million.

David Cormican is the founder of the p...
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Arisa Cox
Co-Host
E! News Weekend

Canada

Arisa Cox is a pop culture junkie journalist and writer for magazines, newspapers and the screen.

Currently the host of E! in Canada, she’s traded barbs with Tom Cruise, been punched by Jackie Chan, braided Ozzy Osbourne’s hair, talked kids with Salma Hayek, sex with Kid Rock, lingere...
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Valerie Creighton
President & CEO
Canadian Television Fund

Valerie Creighton joined the Canadian Television Fund (CTF) in 2006. In her role as President and CEO she successfully managed the transition of the CTF’s program administration to Telefilm Canada, developed a national stakeholder outreach program, and restructured the CTF to focus on policy develop...
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Tecca Crosby
VP
Drama Development Temple Street Productions

Canada

Tecca Crosby began her career at Saturday Night magazine as assistant to the editor, then head researcher and finally as an associate editor. In 1986 she went to the newly formed Ontario Film Development Corporation as the senior development officer and in 1992 she assumed the post of Executive Coor...
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Mary Darling
Executive Producer & CEO
Westwind Pictures

Canada

As CEO and co-owner of WestWind Pictures, Mary Darling is responsible for the creative direction and overall management and of the company. She also heads up WestWind Releasing, which formats and distributes WestWind Pictures' various properties. She is passionate about media and the lasting impact...
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Sean Davidson
Editor
Playback Daily

Canada

Sean Davidson is the editor of Playback Daily. He is a long-time business and entertainment reporter, critic, and pop-culture commentator. His work has also appeared in The Globe and Mail, National Post, Eye Weekly and on CBC....
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Benjamin Davis
Scripted Development & Current Series
AMC

USA

As the Director of Original Programming for AMC, Ben Davis is responsible for managing the department’s development slate as well as acting as the executive in charge for the Emmy Award winning shows MAD MEN and BREAKING BAD. Ben has been with the company for the past five years, shepherding the suc...
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Christina Davis
SVP
Drama Series Development CBS Entertainment

USA

Christina Davis grew up in Petaluma, California and moved to Los Angeles to attend UCLA as a political science major. After a short stint as a writers’ assistant on the Warner Bros./NBC series “Sisters,” she began working in Drama Series Development at Warner Bros. Television. Christina moved to C...
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Elizabeth Dietrich Segarra
VP
Development Discovery Channel

Beth Dietrich Segarra plays an integral role in the network’s overall content and programming lineup. She oversees the development and production of original programming and programming elements, including specials, series, interstitials and packaging of branded blocks. Her responsibilities includ...
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Clark Donnelly
Executive Producer & President
Westwind Pictures

Canada

In 1989, after 19 years in broadcasting, Clark Donnelly left his position as Vice President at CKCK television to co-found WestWind Pictures. He grew the company by ensuring that it relied on a diverse base of genres including lifestyle, documentary, variety and now, comedy and drama, and by employ...
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Aron Dunn
Director of Creative Development
Portfolio Entertainment

Canada

Aron has turned several years of development and a lifetime of playing videogames into a dream job with Portfolio Entertainment. As Director of Creative Development, he is responsible for the acquisition of new intellectual properties, managing brands through the development process and recognizing...
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Mark Ellis
Co-Creator
Flashpoint

Canada

Mark and his partner Stephanie Morgenstern are co-creators of the hit drama "Flashpoint", which debuted on CTV and CBS in 2008. Now in its second season, the show broadcasts in most international markets. "Flashpoint" is an emotional drama about an elite team of SWAT cops.

Mark and...
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Peter Emerson
President
E1 Television International

Peter Emerson, a long-term veteran of the TV industry, started Oasis International in 1991. In the ensuing years, Emerson grew Oasis into a highly profitable, highly recognizable name in international distribution. Along the way, Peter has executive produced and deficit financed an impressive array ...
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Vitaly Fedko
New Media Development and Production
Corona Films

Russia

Music composer, TV/media producer, film director, media researcher

Education: Leningrad State Music Conservatory (St. Petersburg), “Swayambhu Ling” monastery (Nepal).

President and CEO of Corona Films (St. Petersburg, Russia)

Board member of International...
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Jon Feltheimer
Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Lionsgate

USA

Jon Feltheimer was named Chief Executive Officer of Lionsgate in March 2000; his title expanded to include the role of Co-Chairman in June 2005. His blueprint for Lionsgate's growth, combining the flexibility and entrepreneurial culture of an independent with the financial and strategic relationship...
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Barbara Fisher
SVP
Original Programming Hallmark Channel

USA

Barbara Fisher oversees the development and production of all original programming at the channels – including movies, mini series, specials and series. She is assisting David Kenin, EVP, Programming, in leading the expansion of the programming department as the network broadens its list of product...
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Anthea Foyer
Training Programs Manager
CFC Media Lab

Canada

Anthea Foyer is the Training Programs Manager at the CFC Media Lab, a world-renowned new media research, training and production facility created in 1997 by the Canadian Film Centre (CFC). As the Training Programs Manager, she provides program design and creative input on the Centre’s new media init...
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Hans Fraikin
QFTC Commissioner
Quebec Film and Television Council

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Phil Frappier
Principal
Searchlight Recruitment Inc.

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Fred Fuchs
Executive Director
Arts & Entertainment CBC

Canada

Fred Fuchs is currently Executive Director, Arts & Entertainment Programming Television, for the Canadian Broadcast Corporation. In this role he is responsible for Drama, Comedy, Variety, Performing Arts, Music, and Children and Youth content. A 25-year veteran of the entertainment industry, Fuch...
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David Gale
EVP
New Media MTV

USA

David Gale is Executive Vice President of New Media for MTV Networks. Since August 2006, Gale has been charged with establishing and running the division to incubate and create original programming, websites and unique experiences on new media platforms. Prior to starting MTV New Media, Gale serve...
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Claude Galipeau
SVP
Digital Media Rogers Media

Canada

Claude Galipeau is Senior Vice President, Digital Media, at Rogers Media Inc., responsible for interactive strategy for the Rogers portfolio of publishing, radio and TV properties.

Previously, Claude was Vice President, Interactive Media, Astral Media Inc.; Senior Vice President, Dig...
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Victor Garber
Actor

Victor Garber is one of the most respected and talented actors of his generation. With six Emmy and four Tony nominations to his credit, he has been seen in some of the most memorable works of film, television and stage.

Most recently, Garber portrayed San Francisco mayor George Mo...
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Karin Gilford
Senior Vice President
Fancast and Online Entertainment Comcast Interactive Media

USA

Karin Gilford serves as Senior Vice President of Fancast and Online Entertainment for Comcast Interactive Media (CIM), a division of Comcast Corporation dedicated to developing and operating online and cross-platform entertainment and media businesses.
In her role, Ms. Gilford is responsible...
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Andrea Glenn
Agent
Meridian Artists

Canada

Andrea Glenn joined Meridian Artists in June 2006.

As an agent, she works with Glenn Cockburn and the Meridian team to co-represent their roster of talented writers, directors and producers. Andrea has a keen interest in animation and kids programming and is committed to developing a...
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Joe Godwin
Head
News, Factual & Entertainment BBC Children`s

As Head of Children's News, Factual & Entertainment at the BBC, Joe Godwin is responsible for CBBC’s factual and entertainment London production. This ranges from Blue Peter and Newsround, through to comedies such as Chucklevision and Dick and Dom.
Joe started his career at the BBC in 1986, ...
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Jeff Gomez
CEO
Starlight Runner Entertainment

Jeff Gomez, CEO of Starlight Runner Entertainment, is a leading expert at developing entertainment properties and premium brands into highly successful transmedia franchises. As a creative consultant to Fortune 500 companies, he contributes strategic planning and production for the cross-platform im...
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Paul Gratton
Chair of the Board
Canadian Television Fund

Elected as Chair of the Board on June 10, 2008, Gratton brings a wealth of experience to the CTF, along with his enthusiasm for the craft. Most recently he served as Vice President of Entertainment Specialty Channels for CHUM Entertainment, having launched Bravo! New Style Arts Channel in 1995 and t...
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Mark Greenspan
VP
Digital Media Achilles Media Ltd.

Canada

Mark Greenspan is Vice President of Digital Media for Achilles Media and a new media producer and educator with a decade's worth of experience in the field. During this time he has taught and designed new media curriculum in Singapore, Philippines and India. He worked for Razorfish Inc in both Londo...
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Paul Gross
Actor/Producer
Whizbang Films

Canada

Paul Gross is one of Canada’s most popular actors, internationally known for his role as Constable Benton Fraser on the multi award-winning drama series "Due South". Gross received two Gemini Awards, for best performance by an actor in a continuing leading dramatic role, for his portrayal of Geoffre...
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Robin Gurney
EVP
Development IMAGINE Television

USA

Robin Gurney is Executive Vice President of Development and Production for Imagine Television. Since joining four years ago, she has been instrumental in the creation of the series "Lie to Me", "Shark" and the Emmy Award winning, "Friday Night Lights". Her pilots, "Maggie Hill" for Fox and "Parenth...
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Brian Hamilton
Vice President and Executive Producer
Omni Film Productions

Canada

Brian Hamilton moved to Vancouver in 1992 and joined Omni Film Productions in 1994. Since then he has produced or executive produced more than 40 projects representing 160 hours of broadcast programming for Omni, where he is now Vice President and one of four partners.

Brian is curren...
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Jocelyn Hamilton
VP, Programming & Production
Corus Kids

Canada

As VP, Programming & Production, Corus Kids Television, Jocelyn Hamilton is responsible for overseeing the programming strategies for YTV, Treehouse and Discovery Kids, as well as managing the creative content for Nelvana Studios.

In conjunction with her role as a broadcast executive...
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Bill Hamm
Executive Vice President, Original Production and Development
Starz Media

USA

William Hamm is executive vice president, Originals Production and Development for Starz Media, LLC, overseeing all live-action television programming development and production for Starz Media, and original programming development and production for Starz Entertainment, LLC.

Befor...
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Mark Hand

Interactive Media Specialist

Mark Hand is an Interactive Media Specialist who provides freelance creative consulting, writing, and producing services to clients looking to develop highly interactive cross-media properties.

An accomplished writer and producer, Mark can help to develop new cross-media projects, or ...
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Christopher Harbert
Agent
CAA

USA

Chris Harbert is a television packaging agent at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), an entertainment and sports agency in Los Angeles, California with offices in Nashville, New York, London, and Beijing. Harbert works closely with television’s most esteemed talents including Joss Whedon, creator and ex...
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Robert Hardy
Development Manager
Western Production CTV

Canada

Robert Hardy has been a member of CTV’s development team since 2004, Robert oversees the development and production of scripted and alternative programming in Western Canada.

Among the many productions Robert has worked on with CTV are the upcoming dramatic series “Defying Gravity”, t...
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Erin Haskett
Director of Development
Paperny Films

Canada

As Director of Development of Paperny Films, Erin is actively seeking new factual and scripted properties. She is currently in development on a number of exciting projects for both Canadian and international broadcasting partners. Prior to Paperny, Erin was the Director of Development at Infinity Fe...
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Paul Hazen
VP
Acquisitions and Operations Marvista Entertainment

USA

As the Vice President, Acquisitions and Operations, Paul Hazen is responsible for acquiring new film and television properties for MarVista’s expanding library. A veteran to the industry, Hazen served the previous 4 years as a producer’s rep at Pierce Law Group, LLP where he was involved in the acqu...
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Michael Hennessy
SVP
Regulatory and Government Affairs. Telus

Canada

Michael Hennessy is currently Senior Vice-President, Regulatory and Government Affairs and in that position is responsible for the overall direction of TELUS’s regulatory strategies. Prior to that he was Vice-President, Wireless, Broadband and Content Policy for TELUS and had responsibility for its...
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Doreen Holmes
Agent
Lucas Talent

Canada

Doreen Holmes has been working with creative people for over a 15 years and joined Lucas Talent in 2000. She and her business partner, Anna Archer, co-represent their clients and their projects in the major entertainment industry centers in Canada. Their roster is a creative mix of established wri...
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Earl Hong Tai
Western Regional Director
Business Development Telefilm Canada

Canada

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Matt Hornburg
Partner/Producer
Marble Media

Canada

Named Producer of the Year at the 2007 Canadian New Media Awards, Matt is Executive Producer, partner and co-founder of marblemedia. Matt is responsible for leading creative teams to execute both television and digital media projects.

Matt is currently leading "The Dating Guy", a pr...
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Tina Horwitz
Agent
Vanguarde Artists

Canada

Founder/President of Vanguarde Artists Management, Tina Horwitz launched the company in 2001 to represent some of Canada’s foremost cinematic talent, including Screenwriters, Directors, Producers et al. The company roster boasts such talents as the Director of the top-grossing film "Bon Cop, Bad Co...
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Kirsty Hunter
Head of Interactive
Lion Television

Canada

Kirsty Hunter is one of the UK’s leading digital media professionals. One of here most recent projects was Britain from Above (BBC) winner of an International Digital Emmy (Non-Fiction). Kirsty runs the interactive arm of Lion Television, overseeing major interactive projects in both the UK and...
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Sarah Iley
Vice President
Programming The Banff Centre

Formerly the president and CEO of the Council for Business and the Arts in Canada (CBAC), Sarah J. E. Iley took over the leadership for programming at The Banff Centre effective July 1, 2005, overseeing a new management structure that will build on the Centre’s position as a catalyst for creativity ...
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Steve Jarosz
SVP & COO
9 Story Entertainment

Canada

Steven Jarosz is the Senior VP & COO, as well as co-founder of 9 Story Entertainment. He began his career in the Canadian entertainment industry as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG's media and entertainment division. At 9 Story he is responsible for production and corporate finance, business and ...
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Christina Jennings
Chairman and CEO
Shaftesbury Films

Canada

Christina Jennings is one of Canada’s most accomplished producers of successful films and television programs. Christina established Shaftesbury Films and has built the company into a position of unique leadership and strength as a multi-format, multi-genre and award-winning producer and distributor...
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Brown Johnson
President
Animation Nickelodeon and MTVN Kids and Family Group

USA

As President, Animation, Nickelodeon and MTVN Kids and Family Group, Ms. Johnson spearheads development and production for all animated programming across Nickelodeon, the largest producer of television animation in the US, while continuing to oversee development and production for all preschool pro...
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Evan Jones
Owner
Stitch Media

Canada

A two-time Emmy Award winner, Evan Jones is the owner of Stitch Media, an interactive media production company that collaborates with traditional media creators to produce cross-media projects. His experience in Alternate Reality Games and distributed narratives has allowed collaboration with broadc...
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James Kearney
Agent
UTA

USA

James Kearney was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario where he attended St. Michael’s College School. He graduated from Harvard University in Cambridge, MA in 2004 and started his career in the United Talent Agency mailroom soon after. James trained under Partner Daniel Erlij and Founding Partner Pe...
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Ian Kelso
President & CEO
Interactive Ontario

Canada

Ian is a 15 year veteran of the interactive media industry and is currently the President & CEO of Interactive Ontario (IO), a member-based industry trade association representing over 200 companies in the province of Ontario, Canada. At IO, Ian founded GameON: Finance, a financial forum for the vid...
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Rob Kenneally
Agent
Television Department CAA

USA

Rob Kenneally is an agent in the Television Department at Creative Artists Agency, a talent and literary agency based in Los Angeles, California.

Kenneally served as the President of Television for Rysher Entertainment and oversaw the development of the CBS series "Nash Bridges" and...
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Chris Knight
Founder and President
Knight Enterprises

Canada

Chris Knight is the Founder and President of Knight Enterprises, an Ottawa based independent media company which creates, produces and distributes lifestyle and factual content for multi-platform delivery. Chris is Executive Producer and writer of more than 450 half hours of the company’s programm...
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Kris Krug
President
Raincity Studios

USA

Publishing voraciously since 1998, Kris' diverse talent and unique balance of aesthetics and technology is well-known throughout the Intewebs. After launching and managing successful online magazines in San Francisco, Kris returned to Vancouver - where he'd attended college studying philosophy and c...
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Julie Lacey
VP
Creative Affairs Shaftesbuy Films

Canada

Julie is a Gemini award winning writer (Power Play) who brings 17 years experience as writer, producer and development executive to Shaftesbury Films. Julie is currently managing Shaftesbury’s extensive development slate and expanding the roster to include increased work with producers from around ...
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Joan Lambur
Executive Producer
Breakthrough Entertainment

Canada

Joan Lambur supervises the development and production of all kids and animation series at Breakthrough Films & Television.

Prior to working at Breakthrough, Joan founded Lambur & Associates, a Toronto-based development, distribution and brand-management company specializing in childr...
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Clare Laycock
Channel Head
UKTV Style & UKTV Gardens

UK

Clare Laycock began her television career at Discovery UK as an early lifestyle pioneer launching Discovery's first lifestyle channels and ending up as VP & Channel Director for Discovery Health and Discovery Kids. After that she moved to the BBC as Head of Campaigns, delivering multiplatform projec...
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Kirstine Layfield
Executive Director
Network Programming CBC

Canada

Kirstine Layfield is CBC Television’s Executive Director of Network Programming, responsible for the overall programming strategy and commissioning for CBC Television, as well as CBC’s digital channels, Bold and Documentary. Kirstine is responsible for such CBC hits Little Mosque on the Prairie, Dra...
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David Levine
VP
Worldwide Programming Strategy, Acquisitions & Co-Productions Disney Channels Worldwide

USA

David Levine joined Disney ABC Cable Networks Group in March 2004 and is responsible for overseeing global programming and acquisition strategies for the Disney ABC kids’ brands worldwide. He led the task force to launch the new Disney XD channel in the US and is now guiding strategies for rolling o...
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Stuart Levine
Assistant Managing Editor
Variety

USA

Stuart Levine is an assistant managing editor at Variety and has been writing about the television industry for the paper for 11 years. He covers the TV business extensively, including the Emmy and Golden Globes awards. Before arriving on the showbiz circuit, he was a sportswriter for the Los Angele...
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Ira Levy
Executive Producer
Breakthrough Entertainment

Canada

Ira Levy is Co-Founder and Executive Producer at Breakthrough Films & Television, Breakthrough Entertainment and Breakthrough New Media. His current projects include the animated series JIMMY TWO-SHOES for Teletoon and Jetix; PRODUCING PARKER, the animated prime-time series for TVtropolis starring K...
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Joanne Levy
Producer
Buffalo Gal Pictures

Canada

Joanne Levy is an executive and consultant with extensive experience in the broadcast and production industries. As Head of Television Production at Buffalo Gal Pictures she works to diversify the company’s production slate.

Joanne has worked as a TV news reporter; independent produ...
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Dmitry Lipkin
Co-Creator
Hung

USA

Dmitry Lipkin was born in Moscow, but moved to Louisiana at the age of ten as a Russian refugee. Not knowing a word of English, he was tossed butt-ignorant into the world of southern American Jewry where he promptly experienced flag football, Hebrew school and crawfish. He learned English by turni...
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Kari Lizer
Creator and Executive Producer
The New Adventures of Old Christine

USA

Kari Lizer, who created and executive produces the hit comedy "The New Adventures of Old Christine", served as co-executive producer and writer of the long-running hit comedy "Will & Grace", for which she shared four Emmy® Award nominations for Outstanding Comedy Series. Lizer also executive produce...
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Brett Loncar
Agent
CAA

USA

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Al Magee
Independent Producer
Magee TV

Canada

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Gary Marenzi
Co-President
Worldwide Television MGM

USA

Gary Marenzi is Co-President of the revitalized Worldwide Television operation of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM). He re-joined MGM in May, 2007, and he shares overall responsibility for the division with Co-President Jim Packer. Mr. Marenzi’s duties include overseeing both production and di...
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Loren Mawhinney
Vice President Factual Development
E1 Television

Canada

Loren Mawhinney is responsible for all non-fiction at E1 Television, from documentaries to reality to format shows. Loren has been a senior broadcast production executive for more than 20 years. As Vice President of factual development she oversees E1 Television’s factual slate including the pas...
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John May
Sr. Partner
Heroic Film Company

Canada

John May is co-creator of "Connor Undercover", "How to be Indie", "Captain Flamingo" and "Our Hero", has written and produced many television shows, including Family/Disney Channel's "Naturally Sadie", Nickelodeon's "The Journey of Allen Strange", YTV's "Squawk Box", Disney's "Flash Forward", and YT...
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Gavin McGarry
Principal
Jumpwire Media

Gavin McGarry is the founder of Jumpwire Media, a cross media consulting company that assists traditional media companies in understanding and profiting from the emerging digital market place. Before founding Jumpwire Media he worked for web video start up Joost and was the Head of Cross Platform Bu...
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Michael McGuigan
CFO
Breakthrough Films & Television

Canada

With 17 years' experience in Television, New Media and Radio, Michael McGuigan brings a wealth of experience to Breakthrough. He has worked in television distribution with 20th Century Fox/Astral Television Distribution Ltd. and in television production with Cambium Films and Television at a senior ...
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Mark McKinney
Actor, Writer and Producer

Canada

Canadian comedian, actor, writer and producer, Mark McKinney is best known for his work on the long-running sketch comedy troupe The Kids in the Hall, which ran from 1989 to 1995. Following that series’ success, Mark went on to star in Saturday Night Live from 1995 to 1997, and in 1998 wrote for Aar...
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Rob McLaughlin
Assistant Director General, Digital Content and Strategy
English Program National Film Board of Canada

Canada

Currently leading strategy and production of digital content for the English Program at the National Film Board, Rob is one of Canada’s top innovators in the field of interactive storytelling. As a producer, designer and journalist, he has won over 30 major international and national honours for his...
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Trina McQueen


Canada

Trina McQueen is one of Canada’s best known television executives, with a remarkable career of achievement in both private and public television. She has been President and COO of CTV Inc, founding President of the Discovery Channel and Head of News, Current Affairs and Newsworld at CBC. A journa...
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Dario Meli
Strategic Partner
Invoke Interactive Agency

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Jean Merriman
Executive Producer
White Iron

Canada

Jean Merriman is the Executive Vice-President of White Iron Pictures and the White Iron Group of Companies.

With thirty-four years of experience in the film and television industry, Jean provides outstanding leadership skills on all of White Iron’s major projects.

White...
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Sam Mettler
Executive Producer and Creator
Intervention

USA

The creator of the gripping real-life series "Intervention", Sam Mettler has spent most of his career on much lighter fare. Mettler has been a comedic writer, actor and occasional stand-up comedian, with guest starring roles on "The Drew Carey Show", "The Norm Show" and multiple TV commercials. Mett...
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Ted Miller
Agent
CAA

USA

Ted Miller is a television literary and packaging agent and at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), a talent and literary agency based in Los Angeles, California with offices in Nashville, New York City, London, and Beijing.

Miller also oversees the literary, director and international te...
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Robin Mirsky
Executive Director
Rogers Group of Funds Rogers Communications Inc.

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Peter Miskimmin
Director
Development Whizbang Films

Canada

Throughout a twenty-five year background in the film and television industry, Peter has forged relationships and garnered extensive production experience.

Shifting focus from production in 2005, Peter joined Whizbang Films and as the Director of Development, has been involved in the ...
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Robert Montgomery
CEO
Achilles Media Ltd.

Canada

Robert Montgomery is an investor and entrepreneur focused on the digital media and information technology industries.

Robert holds investments in several private companies and is an active emerging companies investor.

Over the past year, Robert has been adviser to the ...
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Honourable James Moore
Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
Government of Canada

Canada

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Ronald Moore
Writer and Executive Producer
Battlestar Galactica

USA

Moore is Writer/Executive Producer of "Battlestar Galactica", now in its 4th and final season. "Battlestar" was honored with a prestigious Peabody Award and twice as an official selection of the AFI (American Film Institute) top television programs for 2005 and 2006. In 2006 Ron was nominated for ...
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John Morayniss
CEO
E1 Television

Canada

TV industry veteran John Morayniss is the CEO of E1 Television (formerly Blueprint Entertainment, Barna Alper Productions and Oasis International), a leading creator, producer and international distributor of quality entertainment. Mr. Morayniss was formerly the Chairman and CEO of Blueprint Entert...
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Stephanie Morgenstern
Co-Creator
Flashpoint

Canada

Stephanie Morgenstern shares the titles of creator, co-executive producer and head writer with her partner Mark Ellis on the police drama "Flashpoint", currently in its second season on CTV and CBS. She is also an award-winning filmmaker: she directed "Remembrance", co-written with Mark, which won...
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Allan Novak
VP
Factual and Reality Temple Street Productions

Canada

Allan Novak is a Winnipeg-born executive producer, director, writer and editor for film and TV with a passion for innovative programming and a special love for comedy. Over the past two decades he has closely collaborated with top talent such as Mike Myers, Kids in the Hall, Eugene Levy, The Second ...
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Joe Novak
Co-Founder
Joe Media Group

Canada

Joe is a co-founder of Joe Media Group and has Executive Produced such innovative shows as "The Secret of the Nutcracker", "Joni Mitchell’s The Fiddle and the Drum", "The Battle for Baghdad" (with the New York Times), "Hunting the Predators" and "Battle for the Arctic".

He created an...
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Karen O'Hara
Director
Original Movies Sci Fi Channel

USA

Karen O’Hara (Director of Original Movies at Sci Fi Channel) began her career in the entertainment business over twenty years ago, starting as a performer in a traveling children’s show. She then turned to freelancing in various production jobs to learn the nuts and bolts of the behind-the-scenes w...
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Lisa Osborne
Supervising Producer
AFI Digital Content Lab

USA

Lisa Osborne manages a revolving slate of experimental TV, gaming and film projects as supervising producer of the American Film Institute's Digital Content Lab. Under a mandate to develop innovative entertainment content and products, Osborne has collaborated with lab teams to produce a machinima p...
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Caitlin O`Donovan
Director
Kids Interactive Corus Entertainment

Canada

Caitlin O'Donovan is the Director of Kids Interactive at Corus Entertainment where she leads the online strategic direction and operation of sites for YTV, Treehouse and Discovery Kids. Previously, she oversaw Corus' Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games, supervised new media production for the C...
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Shelly Palmer
Managing Director
Advanced Media Ventures Group LLC

Shelly Palmer, Managing Director, Advanced Media Ventures Group LLC, is an award-winning inventor, technologist, composer and television producer and the host of his own daily video show. He invented Enhanced Television ("Who Wants to Be a Millionaire", "Monday Night Football"), the most popular for...
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David Paperny
President
Paperny Films

Canada

Starting in 1983, fresh off a Master's Degree from the Annenberg School of Communications, David began his career producing Current Affairs programmes at CBC Television. David co-founded Paperny Films in 1994, shortly after his documentary on a young doctor dying of AIDS, “The Broadcast Tapes of Dr....
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Tom Perlmutter
Commissioner and Chairperson
National Film Board of Canada

Canada

A fervent advocate of groundbreaking and socially relevant cinema, Tom Perlmutter became the 15th Government Film Commissioner and Chairperson of the National Film Board of Canada on June 11, 2007. Since joining the NFB in 2001 as Director General, English Program, Mr. Perlmutter has been one of ...
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Tim Phillips
Agent
Television Literary Department UTA

USA

Tim Phillips is a literary and packaging agent in the Television Department at United Talent Agency where he represents writers, producers, and directors that work in both broadcast and network television.

Tim grew up in Palos Verdes, California, and began his career as a summer int...
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Karen Pickles
Director of Program Development and Business Affairs
Joe Media Group

Canada

With Joe Media for three of her 20 years in the industry, Karen shares her diverse experience in the development of dramatic series, feature films, MOWs, international co-productionss, digital media and gaming. She also embraces the challenge of finding the right distributors for Joe Media’s extensi...
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Jesse Prupas
VP
Development & Distribution Muse Entertainment

Canada

Vice-President, Development & Distribution at Muse Entertainment, Jesse Prupas produced in 2008 the live-action comedy "Family Biz" (YTV/France 2) and managed to greenlit Muse’s first animated series, "Alfred Hedgehog" (TVO/TFO/SRC/France 5). Prupas was also an associate producer on the second seaso...
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David Purdy
President and General Manager Television Products
Rogers Cable

Canada

David Purdy is Vice President and General Manager Television Products at Rogers Cable. He has an extensive back ground in the Television industry, and has helped launch several Canadian Specialty Channels including Discovery Channel Canada, The Comedy Network, OLN Canada, and Rogers Sportsnet. In a...
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Peter Raymont
President and Founder
White Pine Pictures

White Pine Pictures’ president and founder, Peter Raymont, has produced and directed over 100 documentary films and series. Raymont has received over 35 awards. His documentary "Shake Hands with the Devil: The Journey of Roméo Dallaire" received a 2007 Emmy Award. He directed "A Promise to the Dead:...
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Gavin Reardon
International Sales and Co-production Development
Incendo Productions

Gavin Reardon is an international entertainment executive with over twenty-one years of experience in the licensing and marketing of film and television programming. Mr. Reardon has recently joined Incendo, a successful Canadian production and distribution company. Incendo Productions specializes i...
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Zac Reeder
Partner
Circus Road Films

USA

Zac is former Head of Acquisitions at PorchLight Entertainment and MarVista Entertainment, where for over ten years he acquired distribution rights to over 150 films and television programs. Earlier in his career, Zac ran his own independent film distribution company, 4 Corners Entertainment. In h...
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David Ritchie
Agent
Ambition Talent Agency

Canada

In July, 2006, David Ritchie opened the Ambition Talent Agency. In his first month, renowned Canadian actor Joel Keller ("Blue Murder", "Durham County") joined the team. Following Joel was International Supermodel and actress, Estella Warren ("Planet of the Apes", "Driven", "The Cooler", "Law & Ord...
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Michael Rosenberg
SVP
Creative Affairs E1 Entertainment

Rosenberg’s credits include the FX hit show "The Riches", ABC Family’s "Chasing Christmas" and the new HBO pilot, "Hung". Prior to working at E1 Entertainment, Rosenberg was head of Blueprint Entertainment’s TV Series Department. Preceding Blueprint Entertainment, Rosenberg founded and served as P...
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Jon Rutherford
Director
Sales and Acquisitions Portfolio Entertainment

Canada

Jon Rutherford joined Portfolio Entertainment in 2004 bringing over a decade of experience in film and television to the table. He has established an excellent reputation for cultivating and maintaining strong international partnerships and alliances with some of the world’s most prestigious broadc...
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Alan Sawyer
Principal Consultant
Two Solitudes Consulting

Alan Sawyer is the principal consultant at Two Solitudes Consulting, focusing on the changing face of entertainment and communications with a particular emphasis on the television space. Alan has an extensive background in digital content and brings a unique combination of technical and business pe...
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Gabriela Schonbach
Vice President and Executive Producer
Omni Film Productions

Canada

Gabriela Schonbach is one of four managing partners, involved in all aspects of drama and factual development, production and distribution. Gabriela is currently developing two scripted series, a one-hour drama series for CTV and a half-hour comedy series for CBC. She is also executive producing "Bu...
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Scott Seidel
Agent
Endeavor

USA

Scott Seidel is currently a talent agent representing writers and directors at the Endeavor Talent Agency in Beverly Hills, California. He represents senior writers and showrunners involved in such series as THE MENTALIST (CBS), KING OF THE HILL (FBC), NIP/TUCK (FX), HOUSE (FBC), THE GOODE FAMILY (...
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Zaib Shaikh
Actor - Little Mosque on the Prairie
Producer - Governor Films Inc.

Canada

Zaib Shaikh has been a Canadian actor, director and producer for the last decade. Shaikh currently stars as Amaar Rashid on CBC’s hit Canadian television comedy, “Little Mosque on The Prairie.” His other work in television includes lead or guest lead roles in “Metropia,” “The Dead Zone” and “Da Vinc...
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Andra Sheffer
Executive Director
Bell Broadcast and New Media Fund/Cogeco Program Development Fund

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Brent Jordan Sherman
Agent
The Characters Talent Agency

Canada

Brent Jordan Sherman is a literary agent at The Characters Talent Agency representing a compelling and diverse roster of esteemed creative talent throughout film, television and new media.

Sherman attended the University of British Columbia and earned a B.F.A. at the Evergreen State ...
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Ben C. Silverman
Agent
West Coast Office The Characters Talent Agency

Canada

Ben C. Silverman has been an agent at the west coast office of The Characters Talent Agency for 6 years where he represents writers, directors and producers. He loves his job because it involves 3 of his main passions in life, which are: business, creativity and movies. He believes one of the keys...
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Robert Sorcher
Chief Content Officer
The Cartoon Network Turner Broadcasting System

USA

Robert Sorcher is responsible for driving the Cartoon Network’s overall content development strategy, including original series, acquisitions, long form and special events. Along with managing the team of content executives, he also oversees production and Cartoon Network Studios in Burbank, Calif....
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Sandra Stern
EVP and COO
Television Lionsgate

USA

Sandra Stern is Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Television for Lionsgate. Responsible for running all business, legal and administrative aspects of the television division, she spearheads its strategy, transactions and negotiations and continues to explore innovative and cos...
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Scott Sternberg
CEO and Founder
Scott Sternberg Productions

USA

Emmy Award Winning producer Scott Sternberg is CEO and Founder of Scott Sternberg Productions.

Based at Raleigh Studios Hollywood, Scott Sternberg Productions specializes in unscripted programming. Currently the company is in production on The Chris Isaak Hour and On the Case with Pa...
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Beth Stevenson
Executive Vice President
Production and Programming Decode Entertainment

Canada

Beth oversees all of DECODE’s development and production activities as well as the company’s Consumer Products division. Beth is currently working on PLANET SKETCH, a new animated series co-produced with Aardman Animations Ltd., NATURALLY SADIE, a new live action series for children, BROMWELL HIGH,...
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Richard Stursberg
EVP
English Services CBC

Canada

Richard Stursberg was appointed Executive Vice-President of English Services on November 22, 2007. Mr. Stursberg oversees all aspects of CBC’s English language services, which includes, among other things, the main network (CBC), Newsworld (a 24-hour all news channel), The Documentary Channel, Bold...
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Kent Takano
VP
Programming Fine Living Network

USA

Kent Takano is the Vice President of Programming for FINE LIVING NETWORK, overseeing the department’s original content development for on-air and online, programming budget, as well as cross-platform strategies with the interactive group for the network’s 55 million digital audience. In 2004, Takano...
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Toper Taylor
President and COO
Cookie Jar Entertainment

USA

Among the most respected executives in children's entertainment, Taylor co-founded Cookie Jar with Michael Hirsh in 2004. They are experts raising capital, buying and turning around entertainment companies and building long lasting, successful global businesses and have created some of the top child...
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Konrad von Finckenstein
Chairman
CRTC

Canada

KONRAD W. VON FINCKENSTEIN, was appointed as Chairman of the CRTC on January 25, 2007. Over the course of a career in the public service that began in 1973, he has held a number of senior positions and acquired broad experience in the areas of trade, commercial and competition law. Before joining th...
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Barbara Wall
EVP
Television Lionsgate

USA

Barbara Wall is Executive Vice President of Television for Lionsgate, responsible for spearheading new program development for both broadcast and cable, including half-hour comedies, hour dramas, movies, miniseries and limited series while overseeing current programming. Since joining Lionsgate in ...
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Ed Waller
Editorial Director
C21 Media

London UK

Ed Waller is a media journalist working out of London, England.

He writes for trade website/magazine C21 Media, where he is editorial director, as well as regularly contributing to UK newspapers including The Guardian, The Independent and The Sunday Times. He previously worked at tra...
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Barry Walsh
Editor
Realscreen

Canada

Barry Walsh is editor of international trade publication Realscreen Magazine, published by Brunico Communications Ltd. Launched in September of 1997, Realscreen has established itself as the world's foremost authority in non-fiction film and television, and is the brand behind the internationally re...
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Tony Walsh
Founding Director
Phantom Compass

Canada

Tony Walsh has been playing, modifying, and creating games since the advent of Space Invaders. A multi-disciplined creative, he has helped plan and execute story-driven interactive projects since the early 1990s. Walsh launched Phantom Compass, a Toronto-based game development company, in January ...
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Pamela Westman
EVP
Consumer Products and Home Entertainment, The Americas HIT Entertainment

Pamela Westman, Executive Vice President, Consumer Products and Home Entertainment, The Americas, has nearly 20 years of experience in children’s entertainment. In her current role, Ms. Westman is responsible for Consumer Products, Home Entertainment, Retail Development, Marketing and Creative Serv...
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Barbara Williams
EVP
Content Canwest Broadcasting

Canada

Since joining Canwest in February 2005 as Senior Vice President of Programming and Production, Barbara Williams has overseen a succession of landmark projects come to fruition for both conventional and specialty television. From the creation of stellar Canadian original productions and securing top ...
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Brett Wilson
Managing Director and President
Prairie Merchant Corporation

Canada

Alberta Venture Magazine’s Business Person of the Year for 2008, W. Brett Wilson is one of Canada’s most influential business, community and philanthropic leaders, and the newest Dragon on the hit CBC television program Dragons’ Den. Described by his closest friends as “a life force”, Brett is known...
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Gavin Wise
VP and Senior Counsel
West Coast Programming Home Box Office

USA

Gavin Wise is Vice-President and Senior Counsel, West Coast Programming, Home Box Office, Inc.

Prior to joining HBO in 2006, Gavin practiced entertainment law with the Century City office of Loeb & Loeb where he represented directors, writers, talent, producers and rights holders in b...
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Liz Wise
Director
Original Movies Lifetime Television Networks

USA

Liz Wise plays a key role in the overall creative process from identifying quality material, to the development of the script, through the casting and director selection process, to production, post-production and editing, as well as liaising with marketing and public relations across all platforms....
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Tom Zappala
SVP
Program Acquisitions and Scheduling ABC Cable Networks Group

USA

Tom Zappala is responsible for all off-network, first-run and feature acquisitions, international and domestic co-productions and oversees the strategic planning and scheduling of ABC Family and for the cable network SOAPnet. He has overseen the acquisition of key event features including such hit m...
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2009 Attendees
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