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 EntertainmentCanada
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.
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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 producers and writers to create and/or develop projects and is currently developing projects with a range of broadcasters including Family Channel, Food Network and Comedy Network.
Sarah has been invited to speak at the Canadian Film Centre’s television program for the past several years and is an annual participant in the NSI’s Totally Television Program. She graduated from McGill University, Montreal, with a B.A. in Political Science and speaks French, Spanish and Italian. Questionnaire
Name: Sarah Adams
Title: Head of Development
Company: Breakthrough Films & Television
Company URL: www.breakthroughfilms.com
Areas of Interest: animation, kids live-action, factual, comedy, drama
Not Interested In: one-offs
Best Ways to Pitch: a one to two-pager by email to start
Pitch Irritations: Being pitched too many ideas at the same time.
Budgets & Costs: not necessary to have up front
Contact for Submissions: email Sarah Adams
sadams@breakthroughfilms.com
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 Jesse Albert Agent ICMUSA
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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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, Albert works as a talent agent with an expertise in new media and branded entertainment. His efforts are specific to representing clients or their work in new media, as well as developing digital strategy, and identifying or creating new revenue streams within the digital space.
His efforts touch a broad spectrum of the agency’s core business practices, including online, video games, music, publishing, branded entertainment, television and venture capital. Questionnaire
Name: Jesse Albert
Company: International Creative Management (ICM)
Company URL: www.icmtalent.com
Interested in: Working with leading creative talent who have achieved a degree of expertise in their craft that places them in the upper echelon of their profession. Must have an interest in working in new media and understand the constraints and opportunities of doing so.
Not Interested In: Recycled content that didn’t sell in traditional media.
Please leave with me: URL or DVD and a way to follow up.
Pitch Irritations: Know my business. I’m first and foremost a new media agent. Other than that, it’s just a quick conversation. Relax.
Minimum Experience Required: Unfortunately because of economic constraints, it is often difficult to work with brand new content creators. There is an opportunity cost to break new talent that precludes a majority of those opportunities.
Other Notes: Please understand that we’re busy and will respond to those that we’re interested in following up with.
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 Jeff Alpern President The Alpern GroupUSA
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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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 Toronto. Prior to this, Jeff was a senior vice president at the William Morris Agency, where he headed the TV Movie and Miniseries Department. In an increasingly global market economy for film and television, TAG represents more Canadian literary artists than any other Hollywood based agency. Jeff is a graduate of Syracuse University and the University of Buffalo Law School. His wife is the President of the Los Angeles S.P.C.A. and they have two teenage boys. Questionnaire
He is interested in: Writers and Directors No minimum experience required.
You can leave a resume, a one sheet or a reel--all are fine.
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Paul Altilia Business Agent Member and Labour Relations Directors Guild of Canada, BC
 Dante Anderson VP Product Development Kuma Reality GamesCanada
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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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/Napalm" and "WWII GI". Previously, Dante was a member of the Saturn Launch Team at Sega of America where he produced showcase titles "Panzer Dragoon" and "Clockwork Knight". At KUMA, Dante directs all production-related activities for the growing episodic game network, leading a mix of creative and technical talent to deliver free, high-quality video games and machinima in regular episodes. The games include original titles "Kuma's War" and "The DinoHunters" plus licensed titles "ShootOut!" and "Dogfights" from the History Channel and "The Kill Point" from Spike TV. Dante has a bachelor of Commerce degree with a Major in Computer Science from McGill University.
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 Finn Arnesen SVP GM Original Series & International Development, Cartoon Network & Boomerang Turner Entertainment Networks InternationalUK
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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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 instrumental in developing programming. He supervises day to day programming, operations and development for Cartoon Network, including creative input into on-air promotions and themes as well as the development of scheduling strategy.
Arnesen has worked on original European co-produced cartoons “The Cramp Twins” with TV Loonland, and “Robotboy” with Alphanim. Additionally he commissioned and executive produced the Cartoon Network’s first wholly owned UK produced show “Skatoony”, an animated game show with real life contestants.
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 Agnes Augustin President Shaw Rocket FundCanada
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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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 the profile of the Canadian children’s and youth programming sector, both domestically and internationally, can be seen through Fund initiatives. Prior to joining the Shaw Rocket Fund, Agnes held the position of Manager and Vice President Business Affairs for various production and distribution companies, she was Head of Production for CMT, Business Affairs Analyst for Telefilm as well as an independent producer.
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 Rene Balcer Executive Producer and Writer Law and OrderUSA
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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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 for Zoetrope, Paramount, Universal, and other studios.
In 1990, Balcer joined "Law & Order" during its first season, becoming executive producer and head writer in 1996. During his four years as showrunner, "Law & Order" enjoyed unparalleled growth and success, winning the Emmy for Best Drama Series in 1997 and becoming a Top Ten hit. He returned to the show in its eighteenth season in 2007, again as showrunner, with a mandate to reinvigorate the franchise. As a result, the show has just been renewed for a twentieth season.
In 2001, Balcer created “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” with Dick Wolf, and served as the show’s executive-producer and head-writer. Now in its eighth season, “Criminal Intent” ranks among the Top 10 television dramas on American Cable TV and is seen in over one hundred and fifty countries worldwide. Local French and Russian productions of the show went on the air in 2006.
Balcer has written over 180 episodes of “Law & Order” and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent”, and has won a number of awards, including the Writers Guild Award for Outstanding Teleplay, four Edgars from the Mystery Writers of America, the Peabody Award, two Silver Gavel Awards from the American Bar Association, the Golden Laurel Award from the Producers Guild of America, and lifetime achievement awards from the Reims International Television Festival and the International Mystery Writers festival.
Balcer's other television credits include the CBS pilot “Hopewell”, "Out On The Edge" (MOW, Hearst/CBS) which won him the Award for Excellence from the American Psychological Association, "Stranger In The Family" (MOW, Hearst/ABC), “Proof of Lies” (MOW, Lifetime), "Nasty Boys" (Series, Universal/NBC), and "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (Paramount). Balcer also created the series "Mission: Protection Rapprochee" for TF1-France/Transfilm. He is currently writing a 4-hour miniseries about Los Angeles in the 1960s for SmokeHouse Productions and the A & E Network.
Balcer has conducted writing and production seminars at Columbia, NYU, Harvard, UCLA and Loyola Marymount; in Moscow (Internews), Paris (Sorbonne), Toronto (Canada Film Center), Montreal (Concordia), Banff International TV Festival, Brisbane (SPAA), Reims International Television Festival, and Florida (Sleuthfest 2007). He was recently awarded a Doctorate of Laws from his alma mater Concordia University.
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 David Baldwin EVP Program Planning Home Box OfficeUSA
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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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 wireless platform domestically through AT&T and internationally through Vodafone and other distributors. He also oversees the Promotion Scheduling area, which plans promotional campaigns and executes the broadcast logs for all HBO and Cinemax platforms, as well as the Marketing and Audience Research groups. He was named to this position in April 2002.
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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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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 agency dedicated to exploring the past, present and future. Real kids work together as agents in a universe that blends science and history, interactive storytelling, virtual worlds, and real locations to activate 8-12 year olds in an experience like no other. Hotrocket and CIE have received several awards, including Best in Show (2008 Fusion Digital Media Venture Forum, Vancouver), Pitch It! Winner (KidScreen 2007, NYC), Marketing Award of Distinction (2008 Alberta Business Awards), TELUS Innovation Fund Award (2006) and Most Promising Company (2006 Canadian New Media Awards). In 2001, Ken was recognized as one of Edmonton’s "30 Under 30" and received a Young Entrepreneur Award of Distinction. Ken has presented at international events including the Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum in Hong Kong, the Canadian Arts Summit in Banff, and Interactive Screen at the Banff New Media Institute. He recently served as President of Digital Alberta, as well as a board/advisory member with the Canadian Interactive Alliance, Alberta Film Advisory Council and nextMEDIA.
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 Kevin Beggs President Television Programming & Production LionsgateUSA
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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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 February 2002, he has spearheaded the strategic expansion of the company’s television production activities in both broadcast and cable.
Beggs is also President of HRTS (Hollywood Radio and Television Society), co-chair of The National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) and President of the Board of Directors of the charity My Friend’s Place.
Under Beggs’ leadership, the television division has become a leading supplier of programming, particularly to cable networks, with revenues that have grown from $8 million in fiscal 2000 to nearly $210 million in fiscal 2008. The company’s impressive TV production slate includes the multiple Emmy and Golden Globe-winning series MAD MEN, AMC’s first original drama series set to launch its third season this summer; CRASH, the original drama from the producers of Lionsgate’s Oscar-winning Best Picture, which begins production on its second season in May; Showtime’s critically acclaimed hit comedy WEEDS starring Golden Globe winner Mary-Louise Parker, which launches its fifth season in June and has already been renewed for season six; the new Showtime comedy series NURSE JACKIE starring three-time Emmy Award winner Edie Falco, also set to debut in June; the new college football comedy series BLUE MOUNTAIN STATE for Spike TV; and IFC’s first original event telefilm, LAURELL K. HAMILTON’S ANITA BLAKE: VAMPIRE HUNTER.
In addition, Lionsgate formed a television joint programming venture last year with Michael Hirschorn and Stella Stolper’s Ish Entertainment, which entered into the partnership with a commitment for three TV series, including the reality competition series “Paris Hilton’s My New BFF” and “50 Cent: The Money and the Power” under a first-look deal with MTV Networks. Lionsgate also has television development deals with Roy Lee and Doug Davison’s Vertigo Entertainment, Brian Robbins’ Varsity Pictures, and Steve Buscemi’s and Stanley Tucci’s Olive Productions.
Other recent productions include NBC’s suspense and horror anthology series FEAR ITSELF; VH1’s reality competition series SCREAM QUEENS; USA Network’s hit drama series THE DEAD ZONE; ABC Family’s popular drama WILDFIRE; THE KILL POINT, Spike TV’s original eight-hour drama event starring Emmy winner John Leguizamo and Donnie Wahlberg; Kevin Williamson’s drama series HIDDEN PALMS on the CW; the Lifetime comedy series
LOVESPRING INTERNATIONAL; the detective/fantasy series THE DRESDEN FILES and the six-hour limited series event THE LOST ROOM, both of which aired on SCI FI; the WE reality series DIRTY DANCING; and I PITY THE FOOL starring Mr. T for TV Land.
Beggs is also President of Lionsgate’s feature-length documentary unit, which was established to identify and develop theatrical-length single-subject documentary projects suitable for television, theatrical and home entertainment distribution that reinforce the cutting edge Lionsgate brand.
The unit has released such acclaimed productions as Werner Herzog’s Sundance award-winning GRIZZLY MAN about the life and death of amateur grizzly bear expert Timothy Treadwell, which debuted on Discovery Channel following its successful domestic theatrical run; LEONARD COHEN I'M YOUR MAN about one of music’s most celebrated troubadours, which was released theatrically in Summer 2006 and made its television debut on Sundance Channel; and THE U.S. vs. JOHN LENNON, a Lionsgate/VH1 Films production recounting the story of Lennon’s transformation from musical artist to anti-war activist, which was released theatrically in September 2006. The unit’s most recent productions include GUYS ‘N’ DIVAS: BATTLE OF THE HIGH SCHOOL MUSICALS, a documentary produced with Spitfire Pictures and Showtime about real high school musicals, which will air on Showtime; STREET DOGS OF SOUTH CENTRAL, produced in partnership with Animal Planet, which follows a family of dogs living on the streets of South Central Los Angeles; and FACING ALI, produced with Spike TV, which chronicles the history of Muhammad Ali through the eyes of fighters he faced over the years.
Beggs first gained prominence in television as a producer on the hit series BAYWATCH and was tapped in 1998 to start Lionsgate’s series television business. Since then, his duties have grown to include all of the company’s television programming and production activities. He spearheaded the dramatic series MYSTERIOUS WAYS, HIGHER GROUND, TRACKER and HOPE ISLAND, as well as the reality projects NO BOUNDARIES for WB and IRON CHEF USA for UPN. His additional credits include the LIFETIME movie STUDENT SEDUCTION, ABC Family’s LUCKY SEVEN and magic special CRISS ANGEL’S MINDFREAK, and a sequel to the latter entitled CHRIS ANGEL: SUPERNATURAL for SCI FI Channel.
Born in the San Francisco Bay area, Beggs was raised in Marin County, Oakland, and later Washington state. In 1989, he graduated with College Honors from UC Santa Cruz where he double-majored in Politics and Theater Arts. Kevin and his wife, Dianna, live in Los Angeles with their two young children, Katherine and Breydon.
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 Ron Berryman SVP and GM FIM Digital Publishing Group FOX Interactive MediaUSA
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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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 Sidereus Technologies, a company specializing in delivering rich-media desktop applications and rich-media-enabled web technologies. Sidereus was acquired by Fox Interactive Media in August 2005 and recently rebranded as FIM Labs. Before founding Sidereus Technologies – and also online ad company Sidereus Group – Ron served as VP of Marketing and Product Management at ZapMedia, a convergence technology company based in Atlanta. Ron was a key stakeholder in the development of ZapMedia’s Hardware Reference Platform, Software Reference Platform and Portal UI development.
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Ben Bishop Sales Executive & Acquisitions Manager E1 Television InternationalCanada
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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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 joined E1 Television International in 2005 with a four year background in television distribution with Alliance Atlantis
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 Mark Bishop Executive Producer/Partner marblemediaCanada
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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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 the 2008 CNMA’s Mark was named Producer of the Year and marblemedia was named Company of the Year, an honour shared with business partner Matt Hornburg.
Mark is the Executive Producer of This is Emily Yeung and "This is Daniel Cook", "The Adrenaline Project" (seasons 1 and 2), "Taste Buds" (seasons 1 and 2) "The Dating Guy" and the North American version of "Skatoony". Projects in development also include "Waiting in the Wings", "The Invasion" and "Camerahead".
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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.)
 Norm Bolen President and CEO Canadian Film and Television Production AssociationCanada
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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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 Ottawa.
Mr. Bolen was the former Executive Vice President, Content, for Alliance Atlantis Communications. He was responsible for the overall programming for thirteen Canadian specialty networks including; Showcase, History Television, Life Network, HGTV, Food Network Canada, BBC Canada, BBC Kids, Discovery Health Channel, National Geographic Channel, Independent FilmChannel, Showcase Action, Showcase Diva and Fine Living Television.
Mr. Bolen was also responsible for Alliance Atlantis' web based and emerging new media content and for all Broadcast Operations. Prior to joining Alliance Atlantis, he spent 21 years at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation as a journalist and executive. In his last position at the CBC he was the head of Network Television Current Affairs.
Most recently, he has been a media consultant and a director of mDialog, a web-based high-resolution video distribution platform.
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 David W. Brady Co-Founder and Executive Producer Cream ProductionsCanada
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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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 Toronto-based production company Brilliant Corner Productions where he was at the helm of a number of successful television projects including the critically acclaimed series "In the Key of Eh" and "Jazz Renaissance" a documentary exploring the modern be-bop jazz revival. In 1998, David took part in a two-person, 30-day expedition to South Georgia Island in Antarctica, where he directed the documentary "South Georgia: An Antarctic Oasis". Then, after joining CineNova productions, David developed and produced a number of films including "Shipwreck", "Treasure" and "Survival" for National Geographic Channel U.S. and History Channel Canada. In 2003, David co-founded Cream and has since concentrated on expanding the company into the international marketplace, including forging some recent strategic treaty coproduction relationships. At Cream, David oversees the A to Z - development, financing and production - of all of Cream's output and spearheads the business development of the company. Cream's clients include Discovery Channel Canada / US / International , National Geographic Channel, History Television, BBC, Planet Green, History UK, ZDF, Mediaset, Military Channel, Science Channel, Channel Five, France 5, ProSeiben, Animal Planet, History US, CBC, OLN and more. David is also the co-founder of Survivorman Productions Inc. and, as executive producer and producer, is behind the series "Survivorman", one of Discovery U.S.'s recent breakout hits.
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 Kaz Brecher Program Manager SchematicUSA
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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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 solutions to clients' challenging business problems, on time and on budget. She has proven herself with clients such as Target, Microsoft, Dell, Logitech and The Walt Disney Company, as well as managing and mentoring other Project Managers at Schematic.
Prior to joining Schematic more than 3 years ago, Kaz spent several years as the Senior Project Director at award-winning print and branding boutique, Melanie Paykos Design. Her interactive media experience began when Kaz served as the Creative Director of Broadband Channels for Fantastic Entertainment, the media arm of a leading Swiss technology company. She oversaw international teams of designers and engineers while guiding content development for IP multi-casting distribution with companies such as the NFL, AccuWeather, and MTV. This led to consulting work for the Singapore-based FantasticOne joint venture as the Creative Director of Broadband Content in North America.
In addition to her experience in interactive media and graphic design, Kaz has worked extensively in film production and development, as well as marketing and distribution at Paramount Classics. Kaz also keeps current on the constantly evolving intersection of visual communication, art, and science by participating in events such as MIT's Image and Meaning conference and the AFI Digital Content Lab. Most recently, Kaz self-published a mixed media art and poetry book with a story told through email exchange, “The Art of Wooing: An Email Tale of Modern Courtship,” and she has been involved with the award-winning social networking site www.tribewanted.com, leveraging the online world to build a sustainable tourism community in an economically-depressed region of Fiji.
Kaz holds BA in Psychology, with a focus on Social and Abnormal studies, from Stanford University
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 Nicolas Brown Director Drama Production BBCUK
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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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 Four's The Curse of Comedy season.
Prior to joining the BBC, Nick was working as a freelance producer. His credits include "London Bridge" for Carlton TV and "Hope and Glory" and "Deceit" for BBC One. A successful relationship with Company Pictures followed, where he produced "The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby" for ITV and then the adaptation of Zadie Smith's "White Teeth" for Channel 4. He has since produced two feature-length television films – "Friends and Crocodiles" and "Gideon's Daughter" – for the BBC, both written and directed by the award-winning "Stephen Poliakoff," and a film for Channel 4, "Bradford Riots," written and directed by Neil Biswas. Program Executive Survey
Broadcast Region: UK
Areas of Interest: Drama for UK audience
Not Interested In: Anything else
Best Ways to Pitch: 1 sheet A4
Budgets & Costs:Yes approximate
Good co-production partners: US/Canada/Europe
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 Rick Campanelli Host Entertainment Tonight CanadaCanada
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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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 flying leap off a jagged cliff with Sean Paul, to his dive out of an airplane with the Foo Fighters, to the pounding he took from pro wrestler, Cain, Rick’s willingness to go the distance speaks volumes about his work ethic and dedication.
Hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, Rick grew up wanting to be a professional soccer player, a pilot, an astronaut and an artist (he used to win colouring competitions as a child for his uncanny ability to draw within the lines).
Shortly after graduating from Brock University in St. Catherine’s with a degree in Physical Education, Rick won a contest to temp at the renowned MuchMusic headquarters in Toronto. It was then that he found his true career calling – to work in the world of television.
In the fall of 2005, after nearly 10 loyal years at MuchMusic, Rick joined the revered Entertainment Tonight brand with the launch of ET Canada into the Canadian marketplace – a move that Rick deemed at the time as “an opportunity to grow."
Rick’s hobbies include on-line poker, working with the various charities he is affiliated with and spending time with his son, Noah
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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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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, Canadian Business, CBC, and the Globe & Mail, National Post and is involved with the Interactive Advertising Bureau and the Canadian Marketing Association as an instructor of the eMarketing Certificate Course. For the second year, Adrian is co-chair of the annual CMA/Marketing Magazine, Digital Marketing Conference and will be Chairing the 2009 Marketing Magazine Digital Marketing Awards.
His leadership, knowledge and sensibility have helped to build two thriving digital marketing practices for Publicis and FUSE. He has helped clients including Canada Post, Canadian Tire, CIBC, GE Money, HP, Interac, Kia, National Post, Panasonic, Rogers, Sony, Telus, Tetley, and Wal-Mart, to understand their customer needs and develop digital marketing strategies that drive business results.
Quizative is Adrian’s most ambitious vision of a new creative agency for an evolving digital economy. Quizative is where he cooks the ingredients of ideas, business, technology, and evolving markets into a compelling recipe for innovation and change. In his spare time, he plays hockey and loves to wakeboard and spend time with his family.
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 Craig Cegielski Executive Vice President, Programming & Sales Lionsgate International TelevisionUSA
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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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 his role as executive vice president, programming and sales, he is responsible for oversight of all international distribution and acquisitions, sales and marketing for the international television group’s comprehensive slate of top-rated and critically-acclaimed entertainment programming.
While actively building the Lionsgate brand outside of the U.S. as both an acquirer and distributor of high quality original programming, Mr. Cegielski has been instrumental in orchestrating the company’s successful strategic approach to the global marketplace. Under his leadership, Lionsgate International Television has operated with a big picture POV by focusing on securing competitive timeslots that deliver ratings and thus renewals rather than simply securing sales via less desirable dayparts. This strategy has paid dividends for series of the caliber of "Weeds", "Mad Men" and "Crash", to name a few.
Additionally, he has been the architect of several key deals that have brought Lionsgate either the worldwide, U.S., or international rights to highly sought-after programming including "Instantly Rich", "The Guard", feature films from Chandon Pictures, Parenti Talenti, to name a few. As well he has orchestrated overseas deals involving the production of localized versions for "Paris Hilton BFF" and "Dirty Dancing" the reality series.
Mr. Cegielski has also supervised production for series and long-form television, including game shows and reality programming made specifically for the international marketplace – from Turkey to Thailand, Germany to the UK. Additionally, he directs the development of strategic partnerships to maximize the company’s extensive feature film library, structures production and financing arrangements with international broadcasters that complement U.S. production opportunities, and works with various production entities to develop cross-border programming. With a focus on growing Lionsgate product into a global brand, Craig has achieved strategic volume deals with Nine Network Australia and Sky New Zealand and has successfully negotiated co-production deals with British Sky Broadcasting in the UK.
Prior to joining Lionsgate, Mr. Cegielski worked for CBS/Kingworld International specializing in local production and programming. During his tenure, he successfully launched local adaptations of U.S. and international formats such as the hit series "Amercia’s Next Top Model" and highly-rated game shows such as "Wheel Of Fortune", "Jeopardy!", "Hollywood Squares" and "The Vault". He was also responsible for the acquisition new reality and game shows such as "Word For Word".
From 1998 through 2004, Mr. Cegielski worked for Paramount Pictures in the co-production division of Paramount International Television. There, his focus was in developing and producing programming for the international marketplace. This emphasis produced an impressive slate that included four one-hour series, including USA Network’s hit drama "The Dead Zone", two mini-series and 10 telefilms.
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 Glenn Cockburn Agent Meridian ArtistsCanada
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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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 agency’s satellite office in L.A.
Glenn, along with the rest of the Meridian team, currently represents a select roster of Canada's top writers, directors and producers.
Glenn has a BFA in Film and Television from York University and an MBA from the Ivey School of Business. Questionnaire
Name: Glenn Cockburn
Company: Meridian Artists
Company URL: www.meridianartists.com
Interested in: Open (i.e. Directors, Writers, Producers, Talent)
Not Interested In: Actors
Please leave with me: Open
(i.e. filmography, one-sheet, demo reel)
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 Vince Commisso President and CEO 9 Story EntertainmentCanada
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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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 Flash based new media company. He left Blab to create 9 Story Entertainment with a vision to launch a new era animation producer that would utilize leading edge technologies to create compelling animated content for young audiences world wide.
In 2005, Vince earned an Emmy® Award for Best Animated Television Program, and a Gemini® Award and ACT Award as Senior Producer on "Peep and the Big Wide World" Season I.
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 Colleen Conway Director Non-Fiction and Alternative Programming A&E Television NetworkUSA
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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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 on "The First 48" (A&E) and Executive Producer of "I Survived..." (Bio). She is currently overseeing a handful of exciting new pilots and development projects that fit nicely into A&E’s "Real Life" brand of programming: cutting-edge, critically-acclaimed, and raw. Program Executive Survey
Broadcast Region: Worldwide
Areas of Interest: Real Life Drama, Celebrity, Crime/Justice
- great characters, close-ended episodes
Not Interested In: Music, Sports, Children’s programming
Best Ways to Pitch: call/email, be sure to follow up, submit one sheet & video (if avail), having video can be crucial
Pitch Irritations: old references to A&E – please watch our network and be aware of new programming
Good co-production partners: Co-productions are not common and considered more for Bio Channel. We commission programming.
Contact for Submissions: Colleen.Conway@aetn.com
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 Kevin Cooper Agent CAAUSA
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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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 works in the series, limited series, and international television markets.
Prior to joining CAA in June 2000, Cooper was Executive Vice President, Television, of Francis Ford Coppola’s American Zoetrope. During this time, Zoetrope produced the mini-series "The Odyssey", "Moby Dick", and Robert Louis Stevenson’s "Kidnapped", as well as numerous other projects including the one-hour Sci-Fi Network series, "First Wave".
Before his career at American Zoetrope, Cooper worked at CAA as an agent in the television literary and packaging department.
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 Sarah Cooper Agent The Saint AgencyCanada
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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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 Canadian authors abroad. Now she’s putting those skills to use for the screen: the agency is taking advantage of Sarah’s knowledge of the literary world to represent books to the film and television industry, along with her screenwriters, directors & other key creatives. Questionnaire
Name: Sarah Cooper
Company: The Saint Agency
Interested in: writers, directors, producers
Please leave with me: resume, one sheet
Pitch Irritations: people who describe the story instead of telling it
Minimum Experience Required: none, but strongly prefer produced credits
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 David Cormican Head Development Minds Eye EntertainmentCanada
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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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 prestigious Canadian Short Screenplay Competition; a member of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television (ACCT), The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA), Canadian Actor’s Equity (CAEA), the Saskatchewan Motion Picture Association (SMPIA); graduate of the New York Film Academy; an ambassador for Raindance Canada and is a board member for the Regina Downtown Board. He lives in downtown Regina, Saskatchewan, with his beautiful daughter. Questionnaire
Name: David Cormican
Title: Executive in Charge of Development
Company: Minds Eye Entertainment
Company URL: http://www.mindseyepictures.com
Areas of Interest: We are a one-stop shop and are able to accommodate projects in a variety of ways including: Financing, Co-Productions, Post Production Services, Distribution and Service Production. We are also interested in TV projects with star attachments and multi-platform concepts/business models that take advantage of the digital and new media avenues. Specifically looking to develop and produce 1/2 and 1 hr scripted series, and to distribute high quality HD programming in the following genres: lifestyle, documentary, drama and kids. We are also interested in co-producing High-Profile Event MOWs and Mini-Series only.
Not Interested In: Animation; Non-commercially viable projects; Mini-Series; and MOWs.
Best Ways to Pitch: One Sheet (ideally, along with copy of our Standard Release found on the company website, submitted via email). Also, let me know who is attached (stars, directors, financing, partners, stage of development/production, etc.) as well as any other baggage associated with the project.
Pitch Irritations: false LOIs/attachments (ie. don't tell me Seth Rogen and Michael Cera are attached and not be able to back it up with written proof)
Budgets & Costs: Ideally, I would like to know total budget, as well as any financing already in place. Please let me know this with first proposal (and be able to back these claims up with written proof when asked).
Contact for Submissions: (Development) David Cormican, email: dcormican@mindseyepictures.com; (International Distribution) Annmarie Lesiuk, email: alesiuk@mindseyeinternational.com
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 Arisa Cox Co-Host E! News WeekendCanada
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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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 with Martha Stewart and cracked Viggo Mortensen up. But... she’s also been tear gassed covering protests and chased by polar bears in the arctic tundra. All in a day’s work.
She spent ten years in art school before excelling in Carleton University’s prestigious Journalism program. Arisa has worked in entertainment, news and reality on both sides of the camera ever since. Recent work includes hosting last year's Banff World Television Awards, producing for Entertainment Tonight Canada and Cineflix, and appearances on "CBC Newsworld", "Studio 2", "Smart Women's Survival Guide", the CBC mini-series "Guns and The Lofters".
Arisa is also a dangerous screenwriter and consultant for videogame goliath EA Games. She is also a red carpet fashion critic for The National Post.
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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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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 development, research, and communications. Ms. Creighton is currently leading the organization as its board and programs transition into the new Canada Media Fund, to be launched on April 1, 2010.
Before joining the CTF, Ms. Creighton was the CEO and Film Commissioner for the Saskatchewan Film and Video Development Corporation and Manager of the Arts Section for the Province of Saskatchewan.
Ms. Creighton has also produced radio dramas for CBC Saskatchewan, sat on numerous CBC juries, and won several awards, including the Deputy Minister’s Recognition Award for her role in the creation of SaskFilm. She has participated in trade missions led by the Prime Minister and Premier of Ontario to Germany, Los Angeles, and China. She has sat on 12 boards from 1979 to the present, and currently serves as a volunteer Chair of the Saskatchewan Foundation for the Arts.
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 Tecca Crosby VP Drama Development Temple Street ProductionsCanada
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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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 Coordinator, Production and Development.
From 1995 to 1998, Tecca worked as a freelance production consultant. She was story editor in residence at the Canadian Film Centre where she helped to establish the Professional Screenwriting Programme. Also during this time she co-created the award-winning series Slings & Arrows.
In 1998 Tecca went to work at CTV as director of dramatic programming, supervising the development slate for original Canadian drama. From 2006 to 2007 Tecca served as acting senior vice president of dramatic programming. During that time she oversaw the development and creation of four one hour dramatic pilots as part of a new programming initiative. In the fall of 2007, Tecca left CTV to pursue a career in independent drama production.
Tecca was made Vice-President of Drama at Temple Street Productions in July of 2008. Questionnaire
Name: Tecca Crosby
Title: Vice President, Drama
Company: Temple Street Productions
Areas of Interest: Drama, ½ hr, 1 hr, scripted comedy and drama, animation, kids, tweens adult
Best Ways to Pitch: two sheet by email
Pitch Irritations: Detailing the plot, not knowing the target audience or broadcaster
Budgets & Costs: n/a
Contact for Submissions: tcrosby@templestreetproductions.com
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 Mary Darling Executive Producer & CEO Westwind PicturesCanada
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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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 it can have in shaping ideas and promoting change. "Little Mosque on the Prairie", now airing in more than 80 countries, is perhaps the best example of her belief in the powerful impact the media can have. Mary was recently the recipient of a Common Ground Award for Building Understanding for her pivotal role in the production of Little Mosque on the Prairie. She has also received WIFT’s International Achievement Award for Excellence in Innovation (Television). Questionnaire
Name: Mary Darling
Title: CEO & Executive Producer
Company: WestWind Pictures
Company URL: http://www.westwindpictures.com
Areas of Interest: Comedy & Family Drama
Not Interested In: Programs which can't be watched by the whole family
Best Ways to Pitch: I'm happy to receive a paragraph via email to see if we are interested in an idea. If we are interested, we'd then want to receive a two sheet proposal and meet the people involved.
Pitch Irritations: I find myself irritated when people don't do their homework or send out a mass email expecting a response.
Budgets & Costs: I don't need to know costs until we know if we are actually interested.
Contact for Submissions: Rob Sockett, Head of Development, WestWind Pictures
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Sean Davidson Editor Playback DailyCanada
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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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 AMCUSA
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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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 successes of the Emmy Award winning mini-series BROKEN TRAIL, as well as the pilots for BREAKING BAD, MAD MEN, and the company's latest pilot, RUBICON. Prior to landing at AMC, Ben briefly worked as Scott Rudin's assistant and as an assistant at Scout Productions. His goal, along with the other members of the original programming department, is to continue to identify and produce high-quality cinematic, programming that has come to define AMC. Ben Davis earned his Bachelor of Science Management degree from the A.B. Freeman School of Business, at Tulane University, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
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 Christina Davis SVP Drama Series Development CBS EntertainmentUSA
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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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 CBS Entertainment in August 1997 and has been working her way up the ranks in Drama Series Development for the last 12 years. Since joining CBS, Christina has been involved in the development of CSI,
“CSI: Miami”, “CSI: NY”, “Without a Trace”, “Cold Case”, “Criminal Minds”, “Ghost Whisperer”, “Numb3rs”, “The Unit” and the only bona fide drama hit of the 2008-2009 season, “The Mentalist”. Program Executive Survey
Broadcast Region: United States
Areas of Interest: Scripted Drama Series
Not Interested In: Comedy, Alternative/Reality, Game Shows
Best Ways to Pitch: Two Sheet- concept and characters
Pitch Irritations: Time should be used wisely, get to the point
Budgets & Costs: Not necessary when selling concept for script sale
Good co-production partners: We are open to all production/ financial models
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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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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 include strategic program planning, content development and direction, and channel management. Dietrich Segarra joined Discovery in March 2008 from A&E Television Networks, where she was vice president of historical programming for The History Channel. During the nearly ten years she spent at History, she developed some of the network’s biggest hits, including "The Universe", "Gangland" and the Emmy-nominated "Star Wars: A Legacy Revealed". She also oversaw the production of more than 400 episodes of the landmark series "Modern Marvels," the network’s longest running series. Prior to History Channel, Dietrich Segarra spent six years with National Geographic in New York, where she served as post-production supervisor for a number of shows, including "Explorer" and "On Assignment". Program Executive Survey
Broadcast Region: World wide
Areas of Interest: Discovery is a male based network with an average age of 39. We are looking for specials and series that hook that audience.
Not Interested In: Medical, Sports, Crime, Lifestyle
Best Ways to Pitch: All producers must go through the Discovery Producers Portal at Discovery.com.
Pitch Irritations: Don’t know our network and the types of programs that work for us.
Budgets & Costs:(at the same time as original proposal)Usually
Good co-production partners: To do a co-pro the project has to be so amazing (and expensive) that we couldn’t do it ourselves, otherwise we would prefer to own it outright.
Contact for Submissions: Producers.discover.com
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 Clark Donnelly Executive Producer & President Westwind PicturesCanada
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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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 employing people that reflect the company's overall goals and values. Clark's ultimate goal is to use the medium of film and television to foster understanding and social change. Little Mosque is an excellent example of this as are two other cross-cultural comedies now in development. Questionnaire
Name: Clark Donnelly
Title: President & Exec Producer
Company: WestWind Pictures Ltd
Company URL: www.westwindpictures.com
Areas of Interest: Documentary, Lifestyle
Not Interested In: Mean-spirited or exploitative material
Best Ways to Pitch: I'm happy to receive a paragraph via email to see if we are interested in an idea. If we are interested, we'd then want to receive a two sheet proposal and meet the people involved.
Pitch Irritations: poor research about what our company looks for. Mass email pitches
Budgets & Costs: to be discussed once we land on a creative approach we like
Contact for Submissions:
Rob Sockett - Head of Development, WestWind Pictures
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 Aron Dunn Director of Creative Development Portfolio EntertainmentCanada
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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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 and championing new talent. He works closely with Portfolio Entertainment’s executive and creative teams to craft shows with universal appeal, while incorporating a high level of interactivity to enhance the audience’s engagement. He directs the extension of Portfolio Entertainment’s original properties onto multiple platforms. Needless to say, Aron’s screen never reads: “Game Over.” Questionnaire
Name: Aron Dunn
Title: Director of Creative Development
Company: Portfolio Entertainment
Company URL: www.portfolioentertainment.com
Areas of Interest:
As a production/distribution company, universal themes and global potential are crucial to what we do. In the broadest strokes we want Creator driven projects that foreground emotionally engaging characters and timely hooks. We don't always have to like what the character does but we need to identify with them.
Specific needs in order of priority:
1) Animated Comedy that skews 6 to 9. Here a curious blend of absurdity and reliability is the key. Characters and situations that kids can relate to which spiral into the ridiculous and fantastic. Think Fairly Odd Parents and Johnny Test. But above all, bring the funny.
2) Live Action Sitcom that skews 8 - 12 but won't drive parents out of the room. Layered humor is the key. Think Malcolm in the Middle. A family unit the kids are friends with is the starting point, then heap comic tween angst and/or obsessive parenting conflict on top.
3) A Primetime Sitcom for adults. Something that puts a new spin on mass appeal. Give us characters and situations that speak to our lives but take us into a world we haven't seen before. Little Mosque & Trailer Park Boys (with less cursing) are good starting off points.
Not Interested In: Feature films and Educational series.
Best Ways to Pitch:
Verbal pitches are fine. If the creator has sample artwork for the pitch, all the better. I prefer to be emailed written material after the pitch rather than being given documents at the time of, as they are more easily misplaced.
Be confident but accessible. Believe in your project and be passionate about it. If you’re nervous, its okay it shows the project is important to you.
Pitch Irritations:
If it’s not for us, don't say you can make it fit for us. It'll only water down what could be the right idea for someone else. And, above all, don't read your pitch sheet verbatim. I can do that for myself.
Budgets & Costs: Not necessary.
Contact for Submissions: Aron Dunn.
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Mark Ellis Co-Creator FlashpointCanada
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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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 Stephanie also co-wrote the award-winning short film, "Remembrance" which earned a Jutra, a Genie nomination and top prize at The Toronto WorldwideShort Film Festival. A feature film version is in development. Mark has also written comedy and drama for theatre and radio and has an extensive pedigree as an actor both onstage and in film and television.
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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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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 of projects including many TV movies and long-running series. In 2008, Emerson sold Oasis to E1 Entertainment to become the international sales and distribution arm of one of the world’s largest entertainment and distribution companies. Oasis is now known as E1 Television International and, with the backing of its parent company, has the significant capital resources to grow and strengthen its library of over 3000 hours of content. Most recently, E1 Television International realized record sales with the launch of "The Bridge", "Deadliest Sea" and "The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler" at MIPTV 2009.
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 Vitaly Fedko New Media Development and Production Corona FilmsRussia
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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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 Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (New York). Board member of Russian Guild of Documentary Producers. Board Member of Judges of International Emmy Awards. Professor of Humanitarian University of St. Petersburg. Board Member of National Comity “Russia against corruption”. Founder and professor of Circles of Time Institute.
Initiator of first world maxi-media channel Sarmath 01. Founder and curator of scientific laboratory “Corona – International Institute of Info Civilization”. Initiator and founder of International Academy of Virtual Interactive & Educational Worlds. Honored with medal “Raising the “Kursk”.
Participated in expedition of “Severstal” - “Tayphoon” class nuclear ballistic missile submarine
Among international projects produced and directed – Mission Invisible, Raising the “Kursk”, People of Thunder, Moscow Angel, films for “300 Years Anniversary of St. Petersburg” Theme Evenings, Tank on the Moon etc
Musical compositions include: 2 symphonies, string quartet, 3 cantatas and other, music for theatre and cinema.
Among scientific works – Musical Instruments of Ancient Alans, “Thunder Garden” - Basics of MaxiMedia etc.
Among festivals and performances – “Birthday of city of St.Petersburg”, “Baltic’s Runas”, “The Tree of Life”, “Raising the “Kursk”.
Initiated and participated in more than 80 ethno expeditions to the Caucasus, the Ukraine, the Carpathian Mountains, Byelorussia, Central Russia, Lithuania, the Urals, Siberia, Nepal, Central Asia, France, UK, Germany.
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 Jon Feltheimer Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer LionsgateUSA
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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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 relationships of a major studio and the structure and consumer focus of a top digital age company, draws upon his 25-year career in the entertainment industry.
During Mr. Feltheimer's tenure, Lionsgate has grown into the leading next generation filmed entertainment studio through a combination of organic growth and accretive strategic acquisitions. With the acquisitions of Artisan Entertainment, Trimark Holdings and other available libraries, Lionsgate now manages one of the most prestigious and prolific libraries in the entertainment industry with 12,000 titles, a diverse portfolio of businesses and an exciting, commercially potent feature film slate of 12 to 15 releases a year.
Lionsgate's feature film slate generated a record quarter at the North American box office in January-March 2009, driven by such hits as TYLER PERRY’S MADEA GOES TO JAIL, THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT and MY BLOODY VALENTINE 3D. Other recent successes include SAW V (the SAW franchise is the most popular long-running horror franchise in history), FORBIDDEN KINGDOM, RAMBO, 3:10 TO YUMA, THE BANK JOB and Tyler Perry's THE FAMILY THAT PREYS. Lionsgate has earned 31 Academy Award® nominations and seven Oscar® wins over the past nine years, more than any other independent studio, ncluding a Best Picture Oscar for CRASH and a Best Actress Oscar for Halle Berry in MONSTER’S BALL..
The highly diversified company also features a vibrant television business with several prime-time cable and broadcast network series, including the Emmy Award-winning drama series MAD MEN and WEEDS, the highly-anticipated NURSE JACKIE, starring The Sopranos’ Edie Falco, which debuts on Showtime in June, the television series CRASH, entering its second season on Starz, and BLUE MOUNTAIN STATE, which will debut on Spike TV. Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury television syndication company distributes hits such as TYLER PERRY’S THE HOUSE OF PAYNE (TBS), the HOUSE OF PAYNE spin-off MEET THE BROWNS (TBS), the upcoming WENDY WILLIAMS SHOW (Fox), FAMILY FEUD, TRIVIAL PURSUIT: AMERICA PLAYS and SOUTH PARK.
Lionsgate is also building a portfolio of new channel businesses, including the TV Guide Network, one of the 30 most widely-distributed cable networks, which it acquired in February 2009 and which reaches 83 million homes, FEARnet, the branded horror channel operated with partners Sony and Comcast, now approaching the 30 million subscriber mark, and the new premium entertainment channel EPIX, scheduled for October 2009 launch with partners Viacom, Paramount and MGM. The Company also operates a highly successful home entertainment business that generates more than $600 million in annual revenues and has achieved major studio level market share of 8%.
During Mr. Feltheimer’s nine-year tenure as CEO, Lionsgate has increased its revenues from approximately $180 million in 2000 to a projected $1.5 billion this year and grown its market capitalization nearly 10 times over while investing in such new businesses as Trimark Holdings (October 2000), Artisan Entertainment (December 2003), Redbus Film Distributors (subsequently renamed Lionsgate U.K.) (October 2005), Debmar-Mercury LLC (August 2006), Mandate Pictures (August 2007) and TV Guide Network and TV Guide.com (February 2009).
Lionsgate has also made a 42 percent equity investment in Break.com, the leading online site for young men ages 18-34, and a 43 percent investment in Roadside Attractions, an independent film production and distribution platform. In addition, Lionsgate has created a vibrant global distribution infrastructure that includes the product of a growing roster of third parties including Relativity Media, Gold Circle Films, Miramax, Televisa and StudioCanal, in addition to Lionsgate’s own content.
Before joining Lionsgate, Mr. Feltheimer spent nine years at Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE). He engineered the creation of TriStar Television as part of SPE's acquisition of television assets from New World Entertainment Ltd. He was subsequently named head of the Columbia TriStar Television Group, head of Sony Entertainment Television and executive vice president of SPE, leading the television group's evolution into an international powerhouse that launched or partnered in nearly 30 branded channels, regional networks and co-production ventures around the world.
While at Sony, Feltheimer's strong creative talent relationships helped lead to such hits as MAD ABOUT YOU, THE NANNY, DAWSON’S CREEK, PARTY OF FIVE and KING OF QUEENS, and he oversaw the company's distribution business, including the syndication launches of shows as diverse as SEINFELD and RICKI LAKE, as well as managing the Company's production of the top two game shows in the world, WHEEL OF FORTUNE and JEOPARDY!, and leading daytime soaps THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS and DAYS OF OUR LIVES. He also served as the architect of SPE's investment and management of the U.S.-based Spanish-language network Telemundo in conjunction with Liberty Media and Apollo Partners.
Previously, Mr. Feltheimer spent eight years at New World Entertainment, where he was promoted to president and chief operating officer, directed the company's domestic and international distribution businesses and managed its New World Television division, which he launched, as well as its Marvel Productions and Learning Corporation of America units.
Mr. Feltheimer earned a bachelor's degree in economics with honors from Washington University.
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 Barbara Fisher SVP Original Programming Hallmark ChannelUSA
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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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 production suppliers and creates new platforms for program distribution. Most recently, Fisher has been a producer/consultant for National Geographic Entertainment, developing scripted and non-scripted series and movies for television. Prior to that, from June 2002 to June 2004, she was EVP, Entertainment, at Lifetime Entertainment Services where she oversaw all scheduling, programming and production for Lifetime Real Women/Movie Network/Television. Under Fisher’s leadership, Lifetime dramatically increased its commitment to original programming. Building on Lifetime’s commitment to inform and support women, Fisher also expanded the on-air components of the Network’s advocacy campaigns addressing a range of issues such as breast cancer, violence against women and self-esteem. Prior to joining Lifetime, Fisher was President of Universal Studios Network Programming and was responsible for series such as “Just Shoot Me” and “The Steve Harvey Show.” Program Executive Survey
Broadcast Region: USA
Areas of Interest: programming
Best Ways to Pitch: Well thought out pitches with treatments as leave behind. Finished scripts with page of suggested changes. Email or in person
Pitch Irritations: One –line ideas. Ideas that are clearly wrong for our network that show not attempt to learn about the network.
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 Anthea Foyer Training Programs Manager CFC Media LabCanada
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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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 initiatives, including the development and production of a diverse range of critically acclaimed interactive narrative prototypes.
She graduated from Goldsmiths College, UK with an MA in Interactive Media:
Critical Theory & Practice and also holds a BA in Sculpture from the University of Calgary. Anthea is a practicing artist and curator and has exhibited across Canada and internationally. She currently sits on the Board of the Toronto Free Gallery and is an active member of the Canadian arts community. She is often found speaking about emerging realms of interactive art and entertainment and presenting CFC Media Lab’s staff and Alumni’s groundbreaking projects. In addition, she was selected to be an expert panel member for the 2009, World Summit Awards, part of the United Nations’ World Summit on the Information Society.
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Hans Fraikin QFTC Commissioner Quebec Film and Television Council
Phil Frappier Principal Searchlight Recruitment Inc.
 Fred Fuchs Executive Director Arts & Entertainment CBCCanada
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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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, Fuchs was for most of his career an independent producer responsible for many successful film and television productions, including the classic children’s series "Faerie Tale Theatre", the feature films Bram Stoker’s "Dracula", "The Godfather, Part III", "The Secret Garden" and "The Virgin Suicides", and the Emmy-nominated mini-series "The Odyssey" and "Moby Dick".
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 David Gale EVP New Media MTVUSA
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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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 served as Executive Vice President of MTV Films, establishing the brand as a unique movie label with a slate of diverse and successful films that grossed more than a billion dollars in box office and opened 7 movies to #1 in their opening weekends. As its first major project, MTV New Media produced "jackass 2.5", the first-ever studio-produced full length film released on the web, which has been seen by over 5 million people. Jackassworld.com, the internet destination for all things Jackass soon followed, as well as multi-platform experiences for the skate, comic book, and animation communities. In May, 2009, New Media will premiere "$5 Cover" a new project from Craig Brewer, the writer/director of the Academy Award winning movie "Hustle and Flow". Program Executive Survey
Broadcast Region: North America
Areas of Interest: Multiplatform content and experiences
Not Interested In: On-air, film pitches
Best Ways to Pitch: Two sheet
Contact for Submissions: Rich.monahan@mtvstaff.com
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 Claude Galipeau SVP Digital Media Rogers MediaCanada
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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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, Digital Media, Alliance Atlantis Communications Inc.; and Executive Director, Digital Programming and Business Development, at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Claude’s background includes working for Alliance Atlantis Communications, as Vice-President, Broadcasting, and heading business development and new media at Salter Street Films.
Claude has also worked as a senior adviser to the Government of Ontario’s Cabinet Office, Premier’s Office and Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs; a senior advisor and lobbyist at the World Association of Newspapers based in Paris; an independent media consultant; and, from 1990-1991, Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Administration at the University of Ottawa.
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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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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 Moscone in Gus Van Sant’s Academy Award©-nominated film “Milk.” Additional film credits include “The First Wives Club,” “Sleepless in Seattle” “Legally Blonde” and the highest-grossing film of all-time: “Titanic.”
For his work on television, Garber has been nominated for six Emmy Awards, including three for the ABC drama, “Alias, ” two for comedic guest-star roles on "Frasier" and "Will & Grace;" and a nomination for his portrayal of Sid Luft in the television movie "Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows."
He most recently appeared in ABC’s “Eli Stone,” FOX’s “Justice,” “Laughter on the 23rd Floor,” “Meredith Willson’s The Music Man,” ABC’s musical version of “Annie,” and in “The Wonderful World of Disney” film “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.” Garber also appeared in the miniseries “Dieppe” and the TV movie “First Circle.”
Garber’s earned four Tony nominations for his work in “Damn Yankees,” “Lend Me A Tenor,” “Deathtrap” and “Little Me.” He performed in the workshop of Sondheim’s “Wiseguys,” and in the Tony Award-winning play “Art.”
His stage credits also include the original Broadway casts of “Arcadia,” “The Devil’s Disciple,” “Noises Off” and “Sweeney Todd.” Additionally, Victor garnered rave reviews in Sondheim’s ‘“Follies” for City Center Encores!,” and “Present Laughter,” directed by Nicholas Martin at the Huntington Theatre. This production will move to Broadway in January 2010.
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 Karin Gilford Senior Vice President Fancast and Online Entertainment Comcast Interactive MediaUSA
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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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 for the growth and management of CIM’s cutting-edge online video and entertainment site, Fancast – and pursing further opportunities for CIM in the online entertainment space. Fancast is THE top entertainment site dedicated to celebrating television. Fancast gives fans instant access to an extensive video collection of television shows, movies, trailers and clips, so they can tune-in, catch-up and critique their favorite programming. Ms. Gilford oversees all operations of Fancast including content and business strategy, monetization, and product development.
Before joining CIM, Ms. Gilford spent eight years with Yahoo! serving in several different roles, including Vice President and General Manager of Yahoo! Entertainment where she led all programming, content and business strategy for the entertainment consumer Web sites: Yahoo! Movies, Yahoo! Music, Yahoo! TV, omg!, Shine and Yahoo! Games. Program Executive Survey
Broadcast Region: United States
Areas of Interest: Original production outsoucers. Interesting technology.
Not Interested In: Back-end technology or social media pitches.
Best Ways to Pitch: Two sheet, e-mail
Pitch Irritations: When people don’t look at my business first and pitch irrelevant or hard to imagine opportunities.
Budgets & Costs: Flexibile
Good co-production partners: (domestic / international) Both
Contact for Submissions: Karin_gilford@comcast.com
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 Andrea Glenn Agent Meridian ArtistsCanada
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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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 and maintaining strong relationships in this arena.
Prior to Meridian Artists, Andrea worked in marketing and advertising at Canadian Tire. With a degree from the Ivey School of Business, Andrea combines business acumen and a life-long passion for television and film to help provide Meridian Artists clients with the most comprehensive service. Questionnaire
Name: Andrea Glenn
Company: Meridian Artists
Company URL: www.meridianartists.com
Interested in: Open
(i.e. Directors, Writers, Producers, Talent)
Not Interested In: Actors
Please leave with me: Open
(i.e. filmography, one-sheet, demo reel)
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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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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, working in regional news, and in 1989 joined the Children's Programmes department as a trainee. He worked as an assistant producer, studio director and producer on shows such as Blue Peter, Going Live and Record Breakers.
From 1997-200 Joe was Editor of Children's Presentation at the BBC, responsible for in-vision continuity for the BBC's children's output.
In 2000 he moved to Nickelodeon UK, holding a number of posts including Head of Original Production and VP Interactive Director.
Joe's also Chair of The Network & Fast Track, the talent development programmes of the Edinburgh TV Festival, and is a member of the Advisory Panel on Children's Viewing of the British Board of Film Classification. Areas of Interest:
BBC Children’s’s runs two digital channels – CBeebies for children aged 5 and under, and CBBC for 6-12 year olds. We also have slots on the two main BBC channels, BBC1 and BBC2.
Both channels are commissioned by their respective Controllers: Anne Gilchrist for CBBC, and Michael Carrington for CBeebies.
I run the CBBC in-house production department for Factual and Entertainment programming, and we are always looking for partners to co-produce and co-develop with.
Producer who aren’t looking for co- production partnerships with CBBC in-house production need to pitch directly to the Controller, using the online commissioning process at www.bbc.co.uk/childrens
Not Interested In: Not much!
Best Ways to Pitch:
(two sheet vs full proposal; email, online process: etc) For potential co-productions, two-sheet, via email to me. For non co-pro direct pitches to the channel, use the online commissioning system as outlined above
Pitch Irritations:
Not knowing the sort of stuff we do or about the UK kids TV market and audience. I’m happy to tell you what I know!
[ minimize ]
 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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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 implementation of content.
Jeff also extends niche properties such as toys, animation or videogame titles across multiple touchpoints, evolving them into high quality persistent narratives, which generate multiple revenue streams.
Jeff conceived, co-wrote and produced one of the most successful transmedia storylines of the decade with Mattel’s Hot Wheels comic books, videogames, web content and animated series. He has gone on to work with such franchises as Pirates of the Caribbean, Fairies, Prince of Persia and Tron for The Walt Disney Company, James Cameron’s Avatar for 20th Century Fox, Halo for Microsoft, Happiness Factory for The Coca-Cola Company, and most recently Transformers for Hasbro.
Jeff is a board member of the Producers Guild of America East, and sits on the advisory board of the PGA New Media Council.
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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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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 the digital service, Drive-In Classics. As well, he served as Vice President and General Manager of Space, the Imagination Station and six other non-music digital channels at Chum Television. At the launch of pay television in 1982, Gratton served as a pioneering programmer for both Superchannel in Ontario and subsequently First Choice, when it was sold to Astral Communications. He also contributes to several other industry organizations, including serving as past Chair for the Academy of Canadian Film and Television, and as Board member of the National Screen Institute.
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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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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 London, England and Milan, Italy. He has produced MTV Asia's first web cast, set up a boutique design and branding firm called methodgroup and produced a 12-series alternative travel show entitled Above the Clouds.
Mark was also Training Programs Manager at the Canadian Film Centre's Habitat New Media Lab where he oversaw the quality of the curriculum design and delivery of the TELUS Interactive Art and Entertainment Program (IAEP).
Mark is also completing a Masters of Education in both Adult Education and Comparative Development Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, where he continues to explore the relationship between creativity, technology and social change.
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 Paul Gross Actor/Producer Whizbang FilmsCanada
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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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 Geoffrey Tenant in the critically acclaimed series "Slings & Arrows". Gross recently released his feature film "Passchendaele", a movie based on the famous First World War battle heroically fought by 50,000 Canadians in the bloodied fields of Ypres, Belgium. Gross wrote and directed the screenplay and stars as Michael Dunne, a character based on his own Grandfather. "Passchendaele" was the highest grossing Canadian film of 2008 with the box office currently hovering around $4.5 million.
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 Robin Gurney EVP Development IMAGINE TelevisionUSA
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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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 "Parenthood" for NBC are currently in the works. . Prior to Imagine, Robin ran Greg Berlanti's company ("Everwood", "Jack&Bobby") at Warner Brothers, and worked for Francis Coppola's American Zoetrope ("Platinum", "4400"), UPN, Paramount and CBS. Robin was born and raised in Toronto, and has her Honours BFA from York U Theatre. Program Executive Survey
Broadcast Region: USA
Areas of Interest: Scripted primetime television
Not Interested In: daytime, strip shows, youth content
Best Ways to Pitch: Verbal pitches best
Pitch Irritations: too long, not aware of who pitch audience is and what the needs are
Budgets & Costs: Budget for year-round scripted development per deal with 20th Century Fox Television
Good co-production partners: more international, who can partner with 20th Century Fox TV
Contact for Submissions: Per Imagine's policy, materials must be submitted “VIA REPRESENTATION ONLY – MANAGER/AGENT, LAWYER; UNFORTUNATELY, UNSOLICITED SUBMISSIONS NOT ACCEPTED.
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 Brian Hamilton Vice President and Executive Producer Omni Film ProductionsCanada
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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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 currently an Executive Producer of "Defying Gravity", a 13-hour prime time series co-produced with Fox TV Studios for CTV, Space, BBC and ProSieben. Prior to this, he produced and executive produced three seasons of the CTV series "Robson Arms". Brian is also involved as an executive producer on three series produced by Omni’s Lifestyle division: "Pure Design" for HGTV Canada, "Word Travels" 2 for OLN and "Smart Cookies" 2 for W Network. He was also recently Executive Producer of "Shock/Wave", a two-hour documentary special for CBC. Brian manages Omni Post, a busy facility which handles end-to-end post production for Omni projects. Questionnaire
Name: Brian Hamilton
Title: Vice President / Executive Producer
Company: Omni Film Productions Ltd.
Company URL: www.omnifilm.com
Areas of Interest: Scripted Drama Pitches
Not Interested In: Feature Films, Animation
Best Ways to Pitch: 2 sheet via email with bio
Pitch Irritations: A long proposal, a project that’s been pitched to many other production companies or broadcasters
Budgets & Costs: Not necessary
Contact for Submissions: please see website
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 Jocelyn Hamilton VP, Programming & Production Corus KidsCanada
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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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, Hamilton is an award winning producer with nearly two decades of experience in children’s television and has brought over 3000 episodes of quality children’s entertainment to life. A loyal supporter of the Canadian production industry, she is also a member of the President’s Council at Corus and sits on the board of the Alliance for Children and Television. Program Executive Survey
Broadcast Region:
- Canada
Areas of Interest:
YTV (6-12)
- Animated quirky, cartoony, character-driven comedies
- Live Action Comedies
- Kids Reality
Treehouse (2-5)
- Funny, character-driven series with heart
- Developmentally appropriate, non-core educational
Discovery Kids (7-14)
- Fun, adventurous, kid driven, intelligent series for curious minds
Not Interested In: Content not suitable to our Core Demo
Best Ways to Pitch: Send materials via e-mail to contact below. The more information on your show, the better (i.e. Series Bible, Designs, Sample stories or Scripts, Promo or Trailer)
Pitch Irritations: No knowledge of our current programming
Budgets & Costs: Not necessary
Good co-production partners: n/a
Contact for Submissions:Leah Wolfson (leah.wolfson@corusent.com)
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 Bill Hamm Executive Vice President, Original Production and Development Starz MediaUSA
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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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.
Before joining Starz Media in 2007, he was EVP, Television, at filmmaker Sam Raimi’s Ghost House Pictures. Earlier in his career, he served as senior vice president of scripted drama at Universal Television, where he was instrumental in bringing in Raimi, and his producing partner Rob Tapert, to develop and produce such mega-hits as “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys” and “Xena: Warrior Princess.” Hamm was also responsible for developing NBC’s “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.” Hamm’s career also included stints at ABC Television, Britain’s Granada TV and Tribune Entertainment. Program Executive Survey
Broadcast Region: Domestic/International Distribution
Areas of Interest: Original Programming: Live Action, Anime, Comedy
Not Interested In: Period Pieces
Best Ways to Pitch: (two sheet vs full proposal; email, online process: etc) In-person, Treatment, Completed or Draft of full script
Pitch Irritations: Unfocused pitch or being unprepared
Budgets & Costs: (at the same time as original proposal) Varies – on a case by case basis - Studios, Production Companies
Good co-production partners: Studios, Production Companies
Contact for Submissions: Agencies, Film Production Companies or Film Studios to partner with and Business Managers
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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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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 take existing concepts and extend them into the interactive realm. His extensive background has prepared him for working with all kinds of interactive media, building a rare expertise that makes him as adept at designing games, devising user interfaces, architecting websites, and creating media integration plans as he is at writing proposals, creating content, and managing production teams from the creative end.
Mark has worked on a wide variety of new media projects, including developing the Gemini award-winning website for Degrassi: The Next Generation, one of the first social networking sites in the world. .
Before launching his freelance career, Mark spent six years as Creative Director for Snap Media, where he became an expert in building integrated new media entertainment components for television properties, including games, community features, and websites. Another two years with QuickPlay Media expanded his expertise into the burgeoning field of mobile media entertainment.
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 Christopher Harbert Agent CAAUSA
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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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 executive producer of "Buffy, The Vampire Slayer", "Angel" and the internet sensation "Dr. Horrible’s Sing A-Long Blog"; Eric and Kim Tannanbaum, executive producers of "Two and a Half Men"; David Nevins of Imagine Television, executive producer of "24" and "Arrested Development"; actor, director, and producer Jon Favreau ("Swingers", "Zathura", "The Break-Up", and "Iron Man"); and Neil Meron and Craig Zadan, executive producers of the Oscar-winning motion picture "Chicago". He has parlayed his experience in television and literary packaging into the areas of motion picture, corporate marketing, sports, and theatre.
Born in upstate New York, but raised in Connecticut, Harbert earned a B.S. in Broadcasting and Film at Boston University’s School of Communications. After graduating, he moved to Los Angeles and trained in the mailroom of the William Morris Agency and on the desk of Alan Berger at International Creative Management. He soon joined Leading Artists, training under veteran agent Gary Cosay, and was promoted to agent in 1988. In 1991, Leading Artists merged with the Bauer-Benedek Agency to form United Talent Agency. Harbert was one of 18 agents that started UTA in 1991 – becoming a partner and co-head of the television department in 1995. He joined CAA in 2002.
Harbert lives in Pacific Palisades with his wife and three daughters.
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 Robert Hardy Development Manager Western Production CTVCanada
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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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”, the television movies “Playing For Keeps” and “Elijah”; the Gemini-award winning documentary “Hockey Brawl: Battle on Thin Ice”; and the Gemini-nominated documentaries “There’s Something Out There: A Bigfoot Encounter” and “As Seen On TV: The K-Tel Story”.
Formerly the Director of Corporate Development for the National Screen Institute of Canada, a Senior Communications Officer for CBC, and an independent producer, Robert has held a variety of both creative and business related positions in advertising, broadcasting, public & government relations and the arts over the past 18 years.
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 Erin Haskett Director of Development Paperny FilmsCanada
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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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 Features where she managed a growing slate of projects, including Terry Gilliam’s “The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus” and Charles Smith's “The Stone of Destiny”. Her production credits prior to Infinity include series “Terminal City” and “The Collector” and feature and television movies “The Cleaner”, “The Butterfly Effect 2”, “Just Friends”. Erin is a graduate of Norman Jewison's Canadian Film Centre. Questionnaire
Name: Erin Haskett
Title: Director of Development
Company: Paperny Films
Company URL: http://www.papernyfilms.com/
Areas of Interest: Scripted Drama, Scripted Comedy, Reality Hybrids, Factual, Documentary, Lifestyle, Web Series
Not Interested In: feature film proposals
Best Ways to Pitch: Short introduction email or phone call and follow up with a more detailed pitch document and a submission release.
Pitch Irritations: People who read their pitch off their one sheet. Not knowing who your audience is.
Budgets & Costs: Budget and cost of the show depends on the stage of the project but usually comes into play at a later date.
Contact for Submissions: Liam Cripps, Development Coordinator: liam@papernyfilms.com
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 Paul Hazen VP Acquisitions and Operations Marvista EntertainmentUSA
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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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 acquisition, negotiation, and placement of over 100 independent feature films with domestic and foreign distributors, sales agents, and foreign buyers. His prior experience includes positions with such companies as Tulchin Entertainment (Senior Vice President of Acquisitions & Sales), KoalaTV, William Morris Agency, Chancellor Entertainment, and Infinity Management International. Mr. Hazen attends all of the major markets and festivals including AFM, Cannes, MIPTV, MIPCOM, NATPE, Toronto, Sundance and Slamdance. Paul has also organized panels and lectured extensively at such festivals and schools such as the AFI Film Festival, Hollywood Film Festival, Slamdance, CineVegas, Emerson College, MethodFest, and Cal State Northridge.
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 Michael Hennessy SVP Regulatory and Government Affairs. TelusCanada
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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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 public policy and regulatory strategies in areas of spectrum management, evolving internet content matters and for TELUS’ IP-based (IPTV) broadcast distribution business. He is currently a member of the Board and Vice Chair of the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA), a Director of the Banff World Television Festival Board and chair of the Smart Regulation Committee of the Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC).
Prior to his work with TELUS, Mr. Hennessy served as President and CEO of the Canadian Cable Telecommunications Association (CCTA). Mr. Hennessy was also a member of the Board and Executive Committee of the Canadian Television Fund.
Michael Hennessy began his career in the public sector, leaving it in 1995 after serving as Director General, Competition, Convergence and Social Policy in the Telecommunications Branch of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC.
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 Doreen Holmes Agent Lucas TalentCanada
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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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 writers, directors, showrunners, cinematographers and editors, peppered with interesting and talented emerging writers and directors. They are fortunate to work with some of the top creative people in Canada. Together they promote and recommend their clients for opportunities in the film and television industry, negotiate contracts, and provide advice, guidance and direction in the development of their clients' careers. Questionnaire
Name: Doreen Holmes
Company: Lucas Talent Inc.
Company URL: www.lucastalent.com
Interested in: Directors, Writers, Cinematographers (from Western Canada)
Please leave me with: resume
Miminum Experience Required: Education and practical experience, preferably produced credits. For writers with no produced credits, a minimum of 5 projects (original and spec) including television.
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Earl Hong Tai Western Regional Director Business Development Telefilm CanadaCanada
 Matt Hornburg Partner/Producer Marble MediaCanada
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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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 primetime animated series for TELETOON’s adult Detour block, co-produced with E1 Television International. Matt co-created the series with marblemedia partner Mark Bishop. Recent initiatives also include the extreme tween reality series, "The Adrenaline Project" season 1 and 2.
Matt has also produced "The Art of Seduction", an innovative mobile shorts series, "This is Daniel Cook", "This is Emily Yeung", "Taste Buds", a pairing of SwanS DVD by Veronica Tennant, deafplanet.com and Burnt Toast.
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 Tina Horwitz Agent Vanguarde ArtistsCanada
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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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 Cop", the Creator of CBC’s drama "Being Erica", the Creators of "Less Than kind", and Writer/Co-Executive Producers currently working on such US shows as "Private Practice" and "Parks & Recreation". Prior to forming Vanguarde, Tina helped build the Film/TV division of Westwood Creative Artists, doing book-to-film deals for such acclaimed novels as "The Wives of Bath", which became Sundance darling, "Lost & Delirious". Tina holds a degree in English-French-Spanish Literature from McGill and the Universidad de Salamanca. Questionnaire
Name: Tina Horwitz
Company: Vanguarde Artists Management
Interested in: Showrunners, Writers, Creators, Directors, Producers
Not Interested in: Actors
Please leave with me: CV, one sheets
Minimum Experience: Some credits
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 Kirsty Hunter Head of Interactive Lion TelevisionCanada
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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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 US. Lion Television is one of the UK's most successful production companies and also has a major operation in the U.S.
Credits include: Horrible Histories (CBBC), Britain from Above (BBC), Chinese Food Made Easy (BBC), Rough Guide (five), History Detectives (PBS), Castaway 2007 (BBC), Britain's Best (UKTV), The Hajj (C4), Karbala (C4), Egypt's Golden Empire (PBS), The Roman Empire in the 1st Century A.D. (PBS), Time Commanders (BBC), Castle (C4), Playing it Straight (C4), Name Your Price (C4), History Detectives Kids (PBS), Guns, Germs & Steel (PBS), Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance (PBS), Lawrence of Arabia (PBS) and Martin Luther and the Reformation (PBS), Australian Survivor (Nine Network Australia), A Current Affair (Nine Network Australia).
Her expertise is in such demand that she runs courses in Multi-platform Production with the Indies Training Fund. She has been a guest speaker and panelist at C21’s Future Media, the Broadcast Video Expo, MIP’s Mobile and Broadband Screenings and is a past mentor to the American Film Institute’s Digital Content Lab.
Kirsty is a frequent contributor to Broadcast Magazine, C21Media and New Media Age. Her projects have been recognised with an International Digital Emmy, Royal Television Society, IVCA, and Learning On Screen Awards and been nominated for BAFTAs.
A trained journalist, Kirsty holds a Business Degree majoring in Journalism, she also co-authored Australian Survivor: the official handbook (Random House).
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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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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 in the arts, leadership, and mountain culture.
In addition to her position with CBAC, Iley was also the leader (in partnership with The Banff Centre) of the annual Canadian Arts Summit. She has been a champion of support for the arts, artists, and arts programming in Canada throughout her career, in her role at CBAC, and before that as manager, developmental services, of the Ontario Arts Council.
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 Steve Jarosz SVP & COO 9 Story EntertainmentCanada
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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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 tax planning and administration. He is currently co-ordinating producer of the Emmy and Gemini award wining animated preschool series Peep and the Big Wide World and executive producer for 9 Story productions including Skyland, Futz! and Best Ed.
Steven has held the position of VP Finance and CFO for several successful film and TV companies prior to 9 Story. Past executive producer credits have covered comedy, lifestyle, sports and animation programming including The Tom Green Show, Buzz and The Untalkative Bunny Season I.
Steven holds degrees in Economics and Commerce from the University of Toronto.
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 Christina Jennings Chairman and CEO Shaftesbury FilmsCanada
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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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. Christina oversees and is Producer or Executive Producer on all of the company’s feature film and television productions.
Shaftesbury produces a variety dramatic television programming including: series, mini-series, TV movies, family and children’s programming, in both live-action and animation formats and most recently original online content. Shaftesbury Films prides itself on its breadth of experience working with all of the major broadcasters, specialty channels and buyers of dramatic programming in Canada and internationally. Highlights include: the highly anticipated drama series The Listener for CTV, NBC and Fox International Channels; the successful dramatic series ReGenesis broadcast in 20 languages and more than 115 countries; the Murdoch Mysteries dramatic series for Citytv and UKTV/Alibi; the highly rated CTV movie Terry about Terry Fox; the half-hour Global comedy series The Jane Show; the record-breaking TV movie Eight Days to Live starring Kelly Rowan, In God’s Country also starring Kelly Rowan, The Robber Bride adapted from Margaret Atwood’s novel, starring Mary-Louise Parker, Wendy Crewson and Shawn Doyle; the International Emmy Award-winning live-action/animation series Dark Oracle airing on YTV; and the internationally successful children’s comedy series Life with Derek for Family Channel.
Jennings was a graduate of the film program at the Canadian Film Centre and currently serves as a member of their Board of Directors. Jennings began as a feature film producer and has an extensive track record of success in features. Shaftesbury has consistently worked with internationally and renowned talent including: Jessica Tandy and Bridget Fonda in Camilla; Miranda Richardson and Brenda Fricker in Swann; Gary Busey and Mark McInney in Jacob Two Two Meets the Hooded Fang; and Sandra Oh in Mina Shum’s Long Life, Happiness and Prosperity.
Shaftesbury also has a distribution arm which sells much of its own television product, either alone, through the Shaftesbury Sales Company, or in partnership with other worldwide sales agents and distributors.
Committed to meeting the global demand for multiplatform content, Shaftesbury recently acquired Smokebomb Entertainment, an award-winning developer of original multiplatform digital content. This groundbreaking deal moved Shaftesbury into the forefront of production of original content for the web and all digital media platforms.
Christina has been honoured with the 2008 PROFIT Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship at the RBC’s Canadian Women’s Entrepreneur Awards and, in 2007 Jennings was named Playback’s Person of the Year. In 2006 Christina was honoured by WIFT-T (Women in Film and Television – Toronto) with a Crystal Award for Outstanding Achievement.
For more information visit the Shaftesbury website at www.shaftesbury.ca.
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 Brown Johnson President Animation Nickelodeon and MTVN Kids and Family GroupUSA
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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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 programming.
During her 20 years at Nickelodeon, Ms. Johnson has supervised the creative direction of contemporary classics such as “SpongeBob SquarePants,” and Nickelodeon’s most recent hits “The Penguins of Madagascar” in partnership with DreamWorks Animation SKG and “The Mighty B!” starring Amy Poehler. In addition, Ms. Johnson has been the driving force behind Nickelodeon Preschool, which includes Nick Jr., Nickelodeon’s programming block dedicated to preschoolers seen over 96 million homes, and NOGGIN, Nickelodeon’s 24-hour commercial-free digital educational network for preschoolers seen in 69 million homes.
While under Ms. Johnson’s vision and leadership, Nick Jr. became the number-one preschool brand, where she nurtured groundbreaking properties including “Blue’s Clues,” “Dora the Explorer,” “The Backyardigans,” and “The Wonder Pets!”. Her brand strategy for Nick Jr. has spawned multiple businesses for Nickelodeon including an extensive consumer products line, Nick Jr. Magazine and nickjr.com.
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 Evan Jones Owner Stitch MediaCanada
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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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 broadcasters on content production and advertising agencies on branded entertainment campaigns. The Bell Broadcast & New Media Fund named his work one of the 'Top 10 New Media Groundbreakers' and Stitch was awarded "Best Mobile Enhancement" at the Banff World Television Awards. Jones also advises post-secondary institutions and media festivals about the benefits of a cross-media approach.
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James Kearney Agent UTAUSA
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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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 Peter Benedek before being promoted into the Television Literary department where he currently works with TV Writers, Producers, and Directors.
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Ian Kelso President & CEO Interactive OntarioCanada
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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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 video games industry, as well as IN: the Interactive Exchange, Canada’s largest annual cross-platform business event. At this time Ian is also President of the Canadian Interactive Alliance / l’Alliance interactive canadienne, the voice of Canada’s seven regional interactive media trade associations.
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 Rob Kenneally Agent Television Department CAAUSA
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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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 HBO’s "Oz".
From 1987-1991, Kenneally served as Executive Vice President of the Fox Broadcasting Company, where he was integral in the launching of "The Simpsons", "Beverly Hills 90210", "In Living Color", and "Married...With Children".
Since 1998, Kenneally has served on the Board of Directors for the Hollywood Radio and Television Society and on the Board of Directors of the American Film Institute’s Third Decade Council.
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 Chris Knight Founder and President Knight EnterprisesCanada
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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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 programming including: The Great Canadian Food Show, Cook Like A Chef, Table D’hôte, Licence to Grill, This Food That Wine, Dig In, Junk Brothers and Road Grill. He has travelled to markets around the world, securing licensing agreements that have brought Knight Enterprises’ programming to over 90 countries.
Realizing early on the value of recognizable multiplatform brands, Chris has set Knight Enterprises’ focus on building proprietary brands with ancillary revenue opportunities including product licensing, merchandising, publishing, endorsements and product integration.
A prolific writer, Chris has written seven best-selling cookbooks based on his award winning shows and won the 2004 International Gourmand World Cookbook Award for the Cook Like A Chef companion book. He has also been nominated for multiple James Beards and Gemini awards for his series’ Cook Like A Chef & The Great Canadian Food Show. His latest Licence to Grill cookbook is a Canadian best seller.
Active in both the Canadian and international production community, Chris is a popular panelist and regular participant at key industries events including the CFTPA, the Banff World Television Festival, MIPTV, MIPCOM, Realscreen and NATPE.
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 Kris Krug President Raincity StudiosUSA
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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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 communications - to apply his knowledge as President of Drupal hosting start-up, Bryght.
As well known for his unique, ultra-personal photographic style as for his business acumen, KK is in demand as a speaker about social media, the future of entertainment and public relations, and growing businesses across borders. Alas, he is often busy shooting models and rockstars so he can't make it to *all* the events, but if you are quick enough, you might catch him before he jets off to another country, another gig, or to strike another deal as new President of web agency Raincity Studios.
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 Julie Lacey VP Creative Affairs Shaftesbuy FilmsCanada
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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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 the world. Julie’s writing credits include, "Due South", "Power Play", "The Zack Files", and "Relic Hunter" and was writer and producer on "I Was A Sixth Grade Alien". Julie is a member of the Writers guild of Canada and the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television. Questionnaire
Name: Julie Lacey
Title: VP/Creative Affairs
Company: Shaftesbury
Company URL: www.shaftesbury.ca
Areas of Interest: One hour dramatic television series for network prime time or one hour dramatic series for cable. Half hour comedy and original digital ideas.
Not Interested In: Feature Films, Childrens, or Family series.
Best Ways to Pitch: Two sheet
Pitch Irritations: Not knowing who the series is for – at least targets.
Budgets & Costs: Must be within the parameters of what’s currently being done – for one hour between 1 million and 1.5 million per episode.
Contact for Submissions: jlacey@shaftesbury.ca
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 Joan Lambur Executive Producer Breakthrough EntertainmentCanada
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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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 children’s and family programming for television.
Before founding L&A, Joan was President of On-Screen Entertainment at The itsy bitsy Entertainment Company, a New York-based production company. While at itsy bitsy, she Executive Produced NINI’S TREEHOUSE for GMTV (UK) AND IT’S ITSY BITSY TIME! for Fox Family (US) and Treehouse (Canada). Joan also oversaw Canadian broadcast activities for TELETUBBIES, the award-winning, hit children's television series produced for BBC (UK) which also aired on PBS (US) and Treehouse (Canada).
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 Clare Laycock Channel Head UKTV Style & UKTV GardensUK
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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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 projects as part of the BBC's factual commissioning team, including HIV awareness, ethical fashion and mental health. Clare is now Channel Head for two of UKTV's lifestyle channels, UKTV Style and UKTV Gardens. Program Executive Survey
Broadcast Region: UK
Areas of Interest: Lifestyle & Factual
Best Ways to Pitch: (two sheet vs full proposal; email, online process: etc) Email – one paragraph initially.
Pitch Irritations: Non-targeted pitches
Budgets & Costs:(at the same time as original proposal) Indication of cost in initial pitch email
Good co-production partners: (domestic / international) Both
Contact for Submissions: Clare.laycock@uktv.co.uk
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 Kirstine Layfield Executive Director Network Programming CBCCanada
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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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, Dragon’s Den, The Border and The Week the Women Went. In 2007/2008, the network experienced its highest audience share in six years.
Layfield has recently been honoured in the inaugural year of TIAW’s World of Difference Top 100 Awards. She is a member of the “Young Global Leaders Community”, advising the World Economic Forum of Davos, Switzerland. She joins a diverse and global community of the world’s most outstanding, next-generation leaders under the age of 40.
She was also named one of the “top 100 most powerful women in Canada” by the Women’s Executive Network, and one Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, in 2006. Layfield’s aptitude comes from almost 20 years of combined experience in the broadcasting and television industries.
Layfield also sits on the Board of the Banff International Television Festival and formerly the National Screen Institute and was the former Vice-Chair on the Board of Directors of Women in Film and Television – Toronto.
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 David Levine VP Worldwide Programming Strategy, Acquisitions & Co-Productions Disney Channels WorldwideUSA
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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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 out the channel on a worldwide basis. He is also actively pursuing co-production opportunities for all the Disney kids platforms, and oversees transforming Disney local productions into global content, including the new “Stitch!” series, originally produced in Japan.
Levine joined Disney from Ragdoll USA Inc. where he was Vice President of Business Affairs and Development, overseeing all legal matters and North American television sales. Prior to Ragdoll he served as General Counsel to The itsy bitsy Entertainment Company, overseeing the legal group supporting the billion dollar "Teletubbies" franchise in North/South America. Levine got his start in the industry working for Marvel Entertainment Group overseeing legal compliance of its licensees and working on a variety of intellectual property matters.
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Stuart Levine Assistant Managing Editor VarietyUSA
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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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 Angeles Daily News.
A graduate of California State University Northridge, Stuart often offers entertainment analysis on NPR and is a regular moderator at the Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills. He is married, with a daughter.
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 Ira Levy Executive Producer Breakthrough EntertainmentCanada
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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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 Kim Cattrall; and a new season of THINK BIG the magazine-style kids series for TVO.
Ira has also Produced and Executive Produced a number of award-winning, critically acclaimed comedy series including KENNY VS SPENNY for Showcase; and LESS THAN KIND starring Maury Chaykin for Citytv.
In addition, Ira is also heavily involved with the CFTPA, Alliance for Children and Television, CTF, Banff Television Festival and Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television.
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 Joanne Levy Producer Buffalo Gal PicturesCanada
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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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 producer; communications consultant; and, for 10 years, as a senior broadcast executive responsible for commissioning original, independently produced Canadian programs. She has overseen production of hundreds of hours of programming in all genres. The projects have generated nominations and awards including Genies, Geminis, International Emmys and dozens of provincial production awards.
Joanne has built a career marked by advocacy for the diversity of Canadian storytelling and talent. Questionnaire
Name: Joanne Levy
Title: Head of Television Production
Company: Buffalo Gal Pictures
Company URL: www.buffalogalpictures.com
Areas of Interest: Scripted – series (both 30 and 60 min.), drama, sitcom
Non-scripted – documentaries (one-off and series), lifestyle, reality, music and variety performance
TV and digital media
Not Interested In: Children’s (pre-school), stand alone games
Best Ways to Pitch: two sheet including resumes of key creatives attached
Pitch Irritations: lack of basic research including:
- awareness of our company track record (available on our website),
- similar projects broadcast currently or in the recent past
- possible broadcasters (domestic and/or international)
Budgets & Costs: be ready with rough estimates
Contact for Submissions:
Deborah Carlson,
Development Manager
Buffalo Gal Pictures
deborah@buffalogalpictures.com
or
Joanne Levy,
Head of TV Production
Buffalo Gal Pictures
joanne@buffalogalpictures.com
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 Dmitry Lipkin Co-Creator HungUSA
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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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 turning into a young, friendless couch potato and watching American TV. After an extraordinarily brief period in college where he planned to major in diplomacy and International Relations, Lipkin luckily discovered writing.
Prior to The Riches, Lipkin was a playwright living in New York City where he founded a theater company known as The Playwrights Collective, which produced big plays in small rooms. He’s a recent alumnus of New Dramatists, a Manhattan Theater Club fellow, and holds an M.F.A. from NYU. Lipkin now lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Colette, and daughter, Tennessee.
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 Kari Lizer Creator and Executive Producer The New Adventures of Old ChristineUSA
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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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 produced and created "Maggie Winters", co-produced and wrote "For Your Love", was a consulting producer and writer for "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: The TV Show", wrote for "Boston Common" and was a story editor and writer on the series adaptation of "Weird Science". Prior to writing for television, Lizer was a professional actor, appearing in the feature films "Gotcha!" and "Private School", among others. On television, she was a series regular on the long-running series "Matlock", and she starred in "The Van Dyke Show". Lizer lives in Los Angeles with her three children. "The New Adventures of Old Christine" is inspired, in part, by her life as a single, working mother.
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Al Magee Independent Producer Magee TVCanada
 Gary Marenzi Co-President Worldwide Television MGMUSA
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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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 distribution for television and digital media at MGM.
Prior to his appointment at MGM, Mr. Marenzi was President of Marenzi & Associates, which he founded in 2004 to provide strategic management advice and implementation for the media and entertainment industry. Some of Marenzi’s clients included Lucasfilm Ltd, IMAX Corporation, Sinclair Broadcast Group, ProSieben/Sat1 Germany, TV 4 Sweden, TV 2 Norway, TV 2 Denmark, TeleFilm Argentina and Amedia Russia .
Prior to founding his own firm, Mr. Marenzi was President of International Television for Paramount Pictures for seven years. During his tenure with Paramount, Mr. Marenzi generated several billion dollars in license fee revenue for Paramount feature films, TV programming and formats with TV broadcasters and cable channels outside the U.S. He also oversaw Paramount’s TV co-production/co-financing operations that yielded USA Network’s hits, "The Dead Zone" and "The 4400".
Between 1992 and 1997, Mr. Marenzi recorded his first tour of duty at MGM as President of the MGM Telecommunications Group, where he was responsible for all of MGM’s international television and worldwide pay television business activities. Before MGM, Mr. Marenzi was President of the UIP Pay TV Group based in London for three years. In the early portion of his career, Mr. Marenzi laid a foundation for his experience in television with roles at Skouras Pictures, Inc., The Samuel Goldwyn Company, Warner Home Video, Columbia Pictures, and HBO.
Mr. Marenzi received both his BA and MBA from Stanford University.
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Loren Mawhinney Vice President Factual Development E1 TelevisionCanada
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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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 past three seasons of Mega Builders, Party Mamas, Underworld, Bikers and Re-Vamped.
She is the Past-Chair of the Banff Television Festival Foundation Board and has served on the boards of the Canadian Film Centre and the Canadian Television Fund.
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 John May Sr. Partner Heroic Film CompanyCanada
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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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 YTV's "Screech Owls", as well as writing for tween shows such as "Life with Derek", "The Famous Jett Jackson" and "Caitlin's Way". They've also written for animated shows such as "Yvon of the Yukon", "D'Myna Leagues", "Stickin Around", "Blazing Dragons", "Arthur" and "The Magic Schoolbus".
Multiple Gemini Award nominees, May has won three Writer's Guild of Canada Awards for "Our Hero" and been nominated twice more. When he's not working in TV, they write and direct films such as the award-winning indie, "Rubber Carpet". Questionnaire
Name: John May
Title: Sr. Partner/Producer
Company: Heroic Film Company
Company URL: http://www.heroicfilmcompany.com
Areas of Interest: Kids shows, mostly tween, mostly comedy
Not Interested In: Anything that is not a kids show, less interested in preschool.
Best Ways to Pitch: Verbally, concisely, with artwork (if animation), clear concept, solid lead character, a few story ideas.
Pitch Irritations: Too much backstory, not enough story ideas.
Budgets & Costs: Not necessary
Contact for Submissions: John May or Suzanne Bolch
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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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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 Business Development at global television production company Endemol. He lives in New York.
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Michael McGuigan CFO Breakthrough Films & TelevisionCanada
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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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 management level, and has been involved in the production and financing of a number of websites.
Michael is a Certified Management Accountant and a graduate of the University of Toronto
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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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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 Aaron Sorkin’s Sports Night. In 2003 he co-created the acclaimed mini-series Slings and Arrows, which he wrote and starred in for all three seasons. Mark then went on to both write and act on NBC's Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. As well, he directed and appeared on the CBC Radio post-apocalyptic comedy Steve, The First and its sequel, Steve, The Second.
Currently Mark is the Producer, Senior Story Editor and Showrunner for the Citytv series Less Than Kind which is now in production on its second season. His upcoming project, Death Comes to Town, will both star and by written by him and his fellow KITH members.
Mark has also appeared in several films including the Kids in the Hall movie Brain Candy and the SNL spin-offs Superstar, The Ladies Man and A Night at The Roxbury. Mark had a leading role in the Spice Girls' movie, Spice World, and also starred opposite Isabella Rossellini in Guy Maddin's acclaimed tragic comedy The Saddest Music in the World.
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 Rob McLaughlin Assistant Director General, Digital Content and Strategy English Program National Film Board of CanadaCanada
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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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 multiplatform work including CBC’s first Prix Italia Award in over 50 years, a prestigious Art Directors Club World Gold Medal and two Webby Awards, including the award for 2008 Best Documentary Series.
Prior to joining the NFB, Rob was a Director of Digital Programming at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation responsible for creative and business planning in the areas Documentary, TV AE and Network Radio. Based in Vancouver, Rob was also Executive Producer and co-creator of CBC Radio’s acclaimed user-generated internet radio service and online magazine, CBC Radio 3.
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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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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 journalist by trade, she began her television career as co-host of CTV’s W-5 in its first year on air. Later she was a reporter and host at CBC News, where she moved into management as Executive Producer of The National. During that time she helped shape the careers of some of CBC’s top anchors and journalists including Knowlton Nash, Peter Mansbridge, Mike Duffy, Peter Kent, Ann Medina and Brian Stewart. Under her leadership, a team of journalists revealed a string of exclusive stories about wrong doing and illegalities by the RCMP, which caused daily uproars in the House of Commons, and a threat by the Solicitor General to remove the CBC’s funding.
In an unusual move, she went directly from journalism into programming becoming the CBC’s network program director, in charge of the daily schedule, including drama, sports, variety, and foreign programming. Later, she took the number two job in CBC television as Network Director, where her responsibilities included sales and marketing and finance. She was a member of the team that planned and executed the “Canadianization” strategy to remove American programs from prime time.
In 1988, she returned to journalism as Head of News, Current Affairs and Newsworld, where her first task was to oversee the launch of the news channel; and a year later to head the licence renewal team which successfully negotiated a near doubling of the channel’s revenue and the introduction of new foreign correspondents and new documentary series. As well, she oversaw the coverage of major events including the first Iraq war, the fall of the Soviet Union, and in Canada the constitutional crisis over Quebec separatism. She introduced the first series of independent documentaries on the CBC Network; and aired one of its most controversial documentaries “The Valour and the Horror” which provoked a Senate inquiry. She had many public battles with the CBC President over journalistic issues, especially the replacement of The National and The Journal by an hour show at 9 pm called “Prime Time News” The President removed her from her job in 1992 and she left the CBC a year later after serving as vice-president of Regional Broadcasting. “ Prime Time News” was cancelled shortly after.
Mrs. McQueen joined Netstar Communications where she developed and successfully sought a licence for the Canadian Discovery Channel. The channel quickly became a ratings and revenue success and was consistently named in surveys as the country’s highest quality channel. It’s daily science current affairs show, now called the Daily Planet, was the only daily science show in the world. Mrs. McQueen was one of five executives who participated in a management led buyout of Netstar Communications, and who later sold the company to CTV. Mrs. McQueen was invited by CTV chief Ivan Fecan to join the company as executive vice president with responsibility for programming, channels and sales and marketing. She became President and COO when Mr. Fecan sold CTV to BCE and became CEO of Bell Globemedia. One of Mrs. McQueen’s major tasks as President was the architecture of the richest benefit packages in Canadian television history, which put $230 million dollars into Canadian programming and supporting institutions. The funds enabled CTV programmers to create hit programs including the Juno awards, Corner Gas and many award winning television movies. During her time at CTV, she was also part of the team which made deals to purchase several new stations and to obtain licences for and bring to air 8 new digital channels.
On her retirement, she became the CTV Professor of Broadcast Management at the Schulich School of Business at York University. She developed and taught a highly successful course on broadcast management for four years and was presented with a Schulich award for teaching excellence.
She is currently on the Board of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and is an adjunct professor at the Schulich School of Business. She also serves on the Boards of McClelland and Stewart, the Canadian Opera Company and Historica.
She is an officer of the Order of Canada and has been named to the Canadian Broadcast Hall of Fame, the Canadian News Hall of Fame and the Canadian Film and Television Hall of Fame. She has received the Award of Excellence from the Canadian Journalism Foundation and the Achievement Award from the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television.
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Dario Meli Strategic Partner Invoke Interactive Agency
 Jean Merriman Executive Producer White IronCanada
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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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 Iron was founded in 1990 as a wholly owned subsidiary of CFCN Communications and Maclean Hunter. White Iron senior management purchased the company from Baton Broadcasting during a change of ownership in June 1996.
Jean played a critical role for Maclean Hunter and Rogers Communications in the creation of the successful CRTC application and launch of the New Country Network, now CMT Canada.
Her work has appeared on Discovery Channel, A & E, History Television, TLC, Slice, OLN, MuchMusic, MTV, CBC, PBS, TNN, CMT, CTV, Global, HGTV, NBC, FOX, ABC and ESPN.
Jean is the Executive Producer of “At the End of My Leash” currently in its sixth season and airing on Slice. Questionnaire
Name: Jean Merriman
Title: Jean Merriman - Executive Vice President and Executive Producer
Company: White Iron Pictures Inc.
Company URL: www.whiteiron.tv
Areas of Interest: Lifestyle; Documentary; Variety; Drama; Series; Specials; Co-production, Post Production
Best Ways to Pitch: 1-2 page pitch emailed in advance of meeting
Pitch Irritations: If show is host driven, it would help to see a photo and bio of host in addition to the pitch idea.
Budgets & Costs: Have ballpark – we’ll do the rest.
Contact for Submissions: Lisa Cichelly - lcichelly@whiteiron.tv
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 Sam Mettler Executive Producer and Creator InterventionUSA
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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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. Mettler serves as Executive Producer, Director and Writer, working from the field to the edit bay in what many believe to be one of the most emotionally, mentally and physically difficult non-fiction programs ever produced. Mettler has won three Prism Awards for outstanding non-fiction program dedicated to the accurate portrayal of addiction on television, as well as a Telly Award and a Banff Rockie Award for outstanding reality program. Most recently he was nominated for an Emmy Award for outstanding reality program.
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 Ted Miller Agent CAAUSA
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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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 television efforts for CAA.
Miller is a partner of the company and works in the Los Angeles office.
Miller represents many of the world’s leading television actors, producers, writers, directors and show runners, including Ted Danson, Kelsey Grammer, Zach Braff, Damon Lindelof (Creator of “Lost”), Matthew Weiner (Creator of “Mad Men”) and David Javerbaum (Executive Producer of The Daily Show).
Miller has worked for CAA for 18 years. Prior to CAA, he was an investment banker in New York.
Miller is a member of the board of directors of Heal The Bay, a non-profit organization based in Santa Monica, California.
He is a graduate of The Colorado College and also attended The London School of Economics.
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Robin Mirsky Executive Director Rogers Group of Funds Rogers Communications Inc.
 Peter Miskimmin Director Development Whizbang FilmsCanada
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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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 creation of television series and the development of feature films. As Head of New Media he has written and produced interactive projects to support filmed properties.
Peter continues the quest for enthralling stories to bring to screens both big and small. Questionnaire
Name: Peter Miskimmin
Title: Director of Development
Company: Whizbang Films
Company URL: www.whizbangfilms.com
Areas of Interest:
Features: Genre specific: Comedy, Romantic Comedy, Action, Thriller, Horror, Family
Television: One Hour – Serial and Episodic Drama, Half-hour Comedic Drama
Interested in compelling Documentaries as well.
Not Interested In:
Period pieces, Hockey/ Sports movies, Slasher movies, Melodrama
Do not focus on Reality or Lifestyle programming but will listen to something unique.
Best Ways to Pitch:
Email a synopsis to see if it is something we might be interested in, then we can move on to a meeting and reviewing additional material predicated on the format.
Pitch Irritations:
Open to all kinds of pitches. Needless to say the more polished the better. Too much detail too early can be detrimental. Lack of awareness of similar produced properties. Unrealistic marketability forecasting.
Budgets & Costs:
Can be addressed later in the process.
Contact for Submissions:
peter@whizbangfilms.com
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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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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 New York-based Fairfield Maxwell Companies on their technology investment strategy. In this role, Robert conceived and is the Founding Partner of a new family office investment fund focused on investments in early stage digital media and technology companies..
Robert also owns and is CEO of Achilles Media Ltd. in Toronto, a business-to-business media company that produces some of the world's leading media and investment events including the Banff World Television Festival, nextMEDIA and the Canadian Innovation Exchange where Robert acts as Co-Chair.
From 2000 to 2004, Robert was Co-Founder and Partner in Achilles Partners, an investment, advisory and research firm that focused on the media, communications and technology industries.
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Previously, Robert has been an executive and adviser for media, communications and technology companies and the investment community for many years. His work has generally been in the areas of operations, strategy, financing and development; market, financial and public policy analysis; and fairness opinions and valuations.
Until 2000, Robert was President, Americas and a member of the management board at the Fantastic Corporation, a Swiss broadband software provider where Robert was instrumental in the company's IPO. During this time Robert was also Non-Executive Chairman of Media Content plc, a UK-based media rights company which he co-founded and took public on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market.
Before this, Robert was Managing Director at Kagan World Media in London, a media and communications research and consulting company where he was responsible for the firm's European and Asia Pacific operations.
Before this, Robert co-founded Digital Media International, an events and publishing company focused on the digital media markets in Europe and Asia.
Prior to this, Robert ran international financial and technology publications for Euromoney plc, and what is now Informa plc, in London.
Robert has served on several boards and is very active in the community. He serves on the board of OCAD where he Chairs the Finance Committee, and keeps very busy coaching his kids' sports.
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Honourable James Moore Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages Government of CanadaCanada
Ronald Moore Writer and Executive Producer Battlestar GalacticaUSA
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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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 an Emmy Award for Best Writing in a Dramatic Series, and in 2008 he won an Emmy for the "Battlestar Galactica" webisodes.
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 John Morayniss CEO E1 TelevisionCanada
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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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 Entertainment, a thriving independent studio he founded with Noreen Halpern in 2002. Blueprint was bought by E1 Entertainment in 2008.
Mr. Morayniss oversees the strategic growth of the company as well as the well as the international production, development, licensing and distribution operations. In addition, he serves as Executive Producer on many E1 Television productions, with the latest being "Hung", a dark comedy for HBO, and "Shattered", a crime series starring Callum Keith Rennie (Californication).
Prior to launching, Mr. Morayniss was head of television for all of Alliance Atlantis' development and production activities, and oversaw and/or executive produced an impressive slate of award winning movies and miniseries.
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 Stephanie Morgenstern Co-Creator FlashpointCanada
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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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 a Jutra award, a Genie nomination, and Best Canadian Short at the Worldwide Short Film Festival. "Remembrance" is now in development as a feature film. Stephanie also wrote and co-directed "Curtains", earning another Genie nomination for Best Short Film and a Palme d’Or in Belgium.
Stephanie has been working as an actor for 30 years, with extensive credits in film ("The Sweet Hereafter", "Maelstrom", "Revoir Jule"), television ("At The Hotel", "This is Wonderland"), theatre (the Stratford Shakespeare Festival) and animation ("Sailor Moon", "Disney’s Yin Yang Yo!"). She was most recently seen as the hostage held at gunpoint in the pilot episode of "Flashpoint".
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 Allan Novak VP Factual and Reality Temple Street ProductionsCanada
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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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 City, CODCO and Ken Finkleman and has been nominated for eight Gemini awards, winning one for editing the original series of "The Newsroom".
Since 2000, as an independent, he's created and produced many successful shows and series including "Loving Spoonfuls", "Second Time Around", "The Joe Blow Show", "The Joke's on Us - 50 Years of CBC Satire", "5 Seekers", "Guides & Gurus", "Ralph Benmergui: My Israel", "God Bless America" and a hybrid comedy reality series called "Punched Up".
In 2008 Allan joined Temple Street Productions one of Canada’s most dynamic production companies, as Vice President Factual and Reality, where he is applying his diverse skill set to creating and producing top notch programs domestically and to export to the world.
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 Joe Novak Co-Founder Joe Media GroupCanada
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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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 and presents Rookies in the Rockies at the Banff Festival and is a graduate of Concordia University and the London School of Economics and Political Science. Joe was a Senior Producer/Editor for CBC’s "The Journal", and CBC Director of Regional Network Programming for Arts and Entertainment. He is also President of the Alberta Motion Picture Industries Association.
Joe will be hosting a "Face to Face with a Production Company" table with his colleague Karen Pickles. Questionnaire
Name: Joe Novak
Title: President and CEO
Company: Joe Media Group
Company URL: www.joemedia.tv
Areas of Interest: Television, Feature Film and Digital Content for Social Media and Internet. TV genres include factual (documentary, lifestyle, reality, magazine), fiction (feature film, MOW, dramatic series) and Performance (variety, music, dance, performing arts). Digital Content for Social Media and the Internet includes developing, producing and delivering for on-line steaming and downloading as well as website development and management
Best Ways to Pitch: Two-sheet and suggested key creative team e-mailed in advance (if possible), outline of business/co-production relationship being proposed, resume of the creator(s)
Pitch Irritations: Lack of clarity in program premise and research
Budgets & Costs: Development and/or production budget estimates. Detailed budget not required for presentation/discussion
Contact for Submissions: Joe Novak, Executive Producer and Karen Pickles, Director of Program Development and Business Affairs
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 Karen O'Hara Director Original Movies Sci Fi ChannelUSA
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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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 world. Before long, she settled into a freelance relationship with HBO, working as story analyst, documentary researcher, acquisitions consultant and creative producer on the Cinemax After Dark series. Moving into a staff position at HBO, she helped create the Film and Talent Evaluation Dept. to seek out new talent and product. Five years later she left HBO to work as a consultant for the Sci Fi Channel, then joined the staff where she currently supervises production of over thirty original movies a year. Program Executive Survey
Broadcast Region: Cable Channel US
Areas of Interest: Creature Features, Fantasy Adventure, Science Fiction
ot Interested In: Conventional dramas.
Best Ways to Pitch: One-paragraph concepts by email.
Pitch Irritations: Long treatments – we develop from concepts.
Budgets & Costs:(at the same time as original proposal) Our license fee is $750K and we expect a budget of approximately $1.5M.
Good co-production partners:(domestic / international) US – Starz, Cinetel, RHI, MarVista & others. INTL – UFO, Insight, Reunion, Frontstreet, Muse
Contact for Submissions: Karen O’Hara- Karen.ohara@nbcuni.com
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 Lisa Osborne Supervising Producer AFI Digital Content LabUSA
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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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 pilot, a documentary contest and a multiplatform environmental community, for example. ABC, NBC, Cartoon Network, EarthEcho International and ITVS are just a few of the organizations that have initiated Lab projects. An interactive producer since 1995, Osborne has managed content and marketing projects for TNT, Wink, ESPN, MTV.com, Big Spaceship, Oregon Public Broadcasting, Coca-Cola and TBS. For three years she also lived in Germany and the Netherlands, supervising web strategy for adidas.com and creating sites for David Beckham, the World Cup, Kobe Bryant, the French Open, Mark Gonzales, Steffi Graf and Anna Kournikova, among others. Osborne graduated from Northwestern University with a journalism degree.
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Caitlin O`Donovan Director Kids Interactive Corus EntertainmentCanada
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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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 CFC Media Lab, and lead the design of the TELUS Innovation Fund which invests in emerging forms of entertainment.
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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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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 form of interactive television in the United States. Mr. Palmer is the President of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, NY (the organization that bestows the coveted Emmy® Awards). He is the Vice-Chairman of the National Academy of Media Arts & Sciences and he oversees the Advanced Media Technology Emmy® Awards which honor outstanding achievements in the science and technology of advanced media. He is the author of one of the most popular television business news blogs, a weekly columnist for the "Jack Myers Report", "The Huffington Post" and a technology commentator for CNN.com. His book "Television Disrupted: The Transition from Network to Networked TV" (www.televisiondisrupted.com) is available on www.amazon.com. For more information, visit www.shellypalmer.com.
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David Paperny President Paperny FilmsCanada
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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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. Peter”, was nominated for an Academy Award®. Over the years, under David's leadership, Paperny Films has become one of the preeminent television production companies in Canada, producing everything from award-winning documentaries like “Confessions Of An Innocent Man”, to smash hits like “The Week the Women Went” for CBC.
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 Tom Perlmutter Commissioner and Chairperson National Film Board of CanadaCanada
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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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 the organization’s leading ambassadors at the national and international level. He revitalized documentary and animation programming, forged critical ties with important partners abroad and provided greater access for up-and-coming culturally diverse filmmakers. He has also led the NFB through major technological advances in multiplatform production. Under his aegis, the NFB has received numerous honours, including two Academy Awards®.
Mr. Perlmutter enjoyed a prestigious career in the Canadian film industry before joining the NFB. As founding head of documentaries at Barna-Alper Productions, he created and produced many award-winning features and series.
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 Tim Phillips Agent Television Literary Department UTAUSA
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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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 intern at UTA before joining UTA's Agent Training Program, starting in the mailroom. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor's degree in Business.
UTA is a leading talent and literary agency that has packaged numerous shows including "The Sopranos", "Six Feet Under", "True Blood", The "CSI" franchise, "Law & Order:CI", "How I Met Your Mother", "90210", "My Name Is Earl", and "Medium" amongst many others. Questionnaire
Name: Tim Phillips
Company: United Talent Agency
Company URL: http://www.unitedtalent.com/
Interested in: Writers, Producers, Directors (in that order)
Not Interested In: Talent
Please leave with me: one-sheet
Pitch Irritations: too long
Minimum Experience Required: none
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 Karen Pickles Director of Program Development and Business Affairs Joe Media GroupCanada
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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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 extensive titles and diverse genres. Now JOE: enjoys partnerships with several worldwide distributors including; C4i Distribution, MarVista, ContentFilm, C Major, BuzzTaxi, Monarch Films and CBC Learning. As a Producer, Karen has created documentaries and arts and entertainment programs such as the Gemini-nominated “Joni Mitchell’s The Fiddle and The Drum”, “The Tom Green Show”, and “Farm Tracks” starring Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy. Questionnaire
Name: Karen Pickles
Title: Director of Program Development and Business Affairs
Company: Joe Media Group
Company URL: www.joemedia.tv
Areas of Interest: Television, Feature Film and Digital Content for Social Media and Internet. TV genres include factual (documentary, lifestyle, reality, magazine), fiction (feature film, MOW, dramatic series) and Performance (variety, music, dance, performing arts). Digital Content for Social Media and the Internet includes developing, producing and delivering for on-line steaming and downloading as well as website development and management
Best Ways to Pitch: Two-sheet and suggested key creative team e-mailed in advance (if possible), outline of business/co-production relationship being proposed, resume of the creator(s)
Pitch Irritations: Lack of clarity in program premise and research
Budgets & Costs: Development and/or production budget estimates. Detailed budget not required for presentation/discussion
Contact for Submissions: Joe Novak, Executive Producer and Karen Pickles, Director of Program Development and Business Affairs
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 Jesse Prupas VP Development & Distribution Muse EntertainmentCanada
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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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 season of the award-winning and critically-acclaimed series "Durham County" (TMN/Movie Central/Ion). In the past few years Prupas produced an array of projects including: "The Watch", "Too Young To Marry", "I Me Wed", "Girl’s Best Friend", "Tipping Point", "Mind Over Murder" and "Black Widower". He has also served as associate producer for: "Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde", "Black Swarm", "Swamp Devil" and "Infected". Prupas also oversees Muse Distribution International. He is also a development executive at Just For Laughs Muse Comedy Production. Questionnaire
Name: Jesse Prupas
Title: VP of Development and Distribution
Company: Muse Entertainment Enterprises
Company URL: www.muse.ca
Areas of Interest: TV series, Mini series, Films, Mows
Not Interested In: Reality or Lifestyle programming
Best Ways to Pitch: Using a one sheet
Pitch Irritations: being unorganized and unprepared
Budgets & Costs: not important in the pitch, more so in the developmental process
Contact for Submissions: Lanni Frankel lfrankel@muse.ca
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 David Purdy President and General Manager Television Products Rogers CableCanada
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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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 addition to his extensive media knowledge, Mr. Purdy has been instrumental in launching a number of New Products at Rogers Cable Inc., including Interactive Television, VOD, FOD, SVOD, HD, PVR., Switched Digital, and over 100 channels into the Canadian Market.
Mr. Purdy brings his comprehensive knowledge of the Media industry to projects that leverage off of the unique two way technology of the Cable industry. Mr. Purdy combines a passion for content with a grasp of technology to forge a keen understanding of how the media business will be impacted by current and future technological innovation.
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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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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: The Exile Journey of Ariel Dorfman", which was shortlisted for an Academy Award for Best Documentary. Raymont produced "Triage: Dr. James Orbinski’s Humanitarian Dilemma" which premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. He is also the Executive Producer of the hit CBC series, "The Border", currently in production on its third season. Seasons one and two are now airing across Europe and have been licensed to ION in the USA. Questionnaire
Name: Peter Raymont
Title: President
Company: White Pine Pictures
Company URL: www.whitepinepictures.com
Areas of Interest: DOC series, Drama series
Not Interested In: reality, soaps
Best Ways to Pitch: 2 sheets
Pitch Irritations: typos & not knowing anything about our company
Budgets & Costs: min 400k per ep
Contact for Submissions: daz@whitepinepictures.com
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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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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 in the creation and production of television programming and has quickly developed into the busiest producer of Canadian content made for television movies. Incendo Media, through its joint venture with Twentieth Century Fox International (FOX/Incendo) is the largest television distribution company in Canada. Mr. Reardon will be responsible for international sales and co-production development for Incendo. With a catalogue of over 35 made for television movies, television series and documentaries Incendo’s productions can be seen around the world.
Mr. Reardon was President of IM Global Television, representing the television licensing of international sales for Stuart Ford. Previously, Mr. Reardon was President of …and Action! Distribution, a venture with renowned German television producer Action Concept. Prior to joining …and action! Distribution, Mr. Reardon was President of GRB Entertainment for eight years, where he developed and executive produced a 52 episode reality series; developed and financed a 22 episode action series through pre-sales; and, through international sales, co-financed a U.S. network primetime reality series. Previously he spent three years as Vice President of MTM International Distribution where he was responsible for the distribution of primetime U.S. network and first run syndicated series’. Mr. Reardon also spent three years at Republic Pictures International Television where he represented a library of over 1500 classic films.
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 Zac Reeder Partner Circus Road FilmsUSA
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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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 his career, Zac has been involved in every aspect of filmmaking and distribution, including developing, writing, financing, directing, and selling films.
Currently, Zac is a partner at Circus Road Films, which provides strategic advisory services to filmmakers and entertainment companies, with an emphasis on film financing and sales of completed films and television programs. Circus Road represents finished films in search of distribution and offers consulting services for producers such as Arnold Rifkin (the "Die Hard" movies) and Ram Bergman (“Brick” and “La Misma Luna”). On the television side, Circus Road Films recently sold the Canadian series, “MVP” to SOAPnet in the US.
Zac also works in an Executive Producer role for certain projects, helping with financing and distribution strategy.
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 David Ritchie Agent Ambition Talent AgencyCanada
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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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 & Order") and after that, acclaimed director, Sheldon Larry ("Boston Public"), and then Gemini nominee, Michael Filipowich ("CSI: Miami").
When clients join Ambition, the goal is for them to see significant change in their careers and Ambition delivers. The company’s roster boasts a mix of rising stars and established talent.
In a little over 4 years in the business, David is the only agent in Canada to have 5 clients appear in Playback’s “Top Ten To Watch” list; he has represented award winning directors for music videos, commercials, TV and Film. He has represented actors who have appeared in national commercials, episodic TV and feature films.
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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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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 President at Maverick Television. As President, one of his first moves was to bring Eddie Izzard and Dmitry Lipkin together in the early stages of The Riches development. He also produced the MTV unscripted series "I’m From Rolling Stone".
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 Jon Rutherford Director Sales and Acquisitions Portfolio EntertainmentCanada
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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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 broadcast and specialty networks. During his tenure as head of the distribution division, Jon increased sales an estimated 100% from the previous year. Along with his team, Jon is responsible for worldwide acquisitions and sales of the company’s library of over 1,300 episodes of programming spanning a variety of genres.
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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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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 perspectives to his analysis of emerging technologies and business models. He has worked with companies and organizations across many facets of the media and telecommunications industries.
Alan is also currently developing a highly innovative entertainment property that combines television, the Internet and social media to an unprecedented degree.
Alan is a frequent commentator on media and telecom in print and on radio and television and is a frequent speaker at media and telecommunications conferences.
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 Gabriela Schonbach Vice President and Executive Producer Omni Film ProductionsCanada
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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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 "Buffalo Air", a new 13 x 1 hour factual series for History Television.
She has completed several drama and documentary programs including feature documentaries "The Dolphin Dealer" for CBC and "Mystery of the Toxic Swans" for CTV, "Alice, I Think", a 13-part comedy series for CTV and The Comedy Network, "Shimmy", a 26-episode dance series for Discovery Health, and "Stuntdawgs", a Gemini award-winning 13-part action/factual series for Movie Central and The Movie Network. Questionnaire
Name: Gabriela Schonbach
Title: Vice President / Executive Producer
Company: Omni Film Productions Ltd.
Company URL: www.omnifilm.com
Areas of Interest: ‘unscripted’ pitches eg. factual, lifestyle, docs, wellness
Not Interested In: Feature Films, Animation
Best Ways to Pitch: 2 sheet via email with bio
Pitch Irritations: A long proposal, a project that’s been pitched to many other production companies or broadcasters
Budgets & Costs: Not necessary
Contact for Submissions: please see website
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 Scott Seidel Agent EndeavorUSA
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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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 (ABC) and CRIMINAL MINDS (CBS). He represents directors involved in such shows as HEROES, THE WIRE, BIG LOVE, CSI:NY and many more. He is primarily involved in packaging and staffing television series for network and cable broadcast.
Endeavor is one of the preeminent talent agencies in the world packaging such series as THE OFFICE, 30 ROCK, 2.5 MEN, HEROES, ENTOURAGE, IN TREATMENT, UGLY BETTY and WITHOUT A TRACE to name a few.
Seidel is a graduate of Emory University and the UCLA School of Law. Questionnaire
Name: Scott Seidel
Company: Endeavor Talent Agency
Interested in: Writers, Producers
Minimum Experience Required: Television and/or film credits
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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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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 Vinci’s City Hall.”
Zaib recently directed “Othello, The Tragedy of The Moor” which aired across Canada on CBC and for which he co-executive produced and also co-wrote the screen adaptation. His production company, Governor Films Inc. has many more productions on its slate including series, specials and films currently in development.
Zaib has also had the pleasure of working with some of the largest theatre companies in Canada including Canadian Stage, Stratford Festival and the National Arts Centre.
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Andra Sheffer Executive Director Bell Broadcast and New Media Fund/Cogeco Program Development Fund
 Brent Jordan Sherman Agent The Characters Talent AgencyCanada
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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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 College in Olympia, Washington. He began his career in Los Angeles as a development executive at Kopelson Productions and then at Flower Films. In 1997 he returned to his native Toronto, began working at The Characters Talent Agency and was promoted to agent later that year. Questionnaire
Name: Brent Jordan Sherman
Company: The Characters Talent Agency
Company URL: www.thecharacters.com
Interested in: Creators, Writers
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 Ben C. Silverman Agent West Coast Office The Characters Talent AgencyCanada
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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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 to his success has been surrounding himself with fun and driven people. Questionnaire
Name: Ben C. Silverman
Company: The Characters Talent Agency
Company URL: www.slfa.com
Interested in: Directors, Writers, Producers for film, television and animation
Not Interested In: Anything else
Please leave with me: Screeners, Demo Reels
Pitch Irritations: When someone literally reads their synopsis aloud
Minimum Experience Required: 2 produced credits other than shorts or 2 commissioned writing assignments
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 Robert Sorcher Chief Content Officer The Cartoon Network Turner Broadcasting SystemUSA
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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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. Sorcher reports directly to Stuart Snyder, president and chief operating officer of Turner Broadcasting System’s Animation, Young Adults & Kids Media, a portfolio of cable networks, digital properties and entertainment businesses for kids and young adults.
Most recently, Sorcher was executive vice president of programming and production for AMC Network, where he oversaw program development and supervised the scheduling of the network and on-air presentation since 2002. He also served as executive producer for AMC’s original programming and is credited with leading the network to tremendous ratings growth and expanding its original programming slate to include the successful series “Sunday Morning Shootout”, the award-winning “Broken Trail” starring Robert Duvall and Thomas Haden Church, and the critically-acclaimed series “Mad Men” and “Hustle”.
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 Sandra Stern EVP and COO Television LionsgateUSA
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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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 cost-efficient production options.
Stern’s contributions have been pivotal to Lionsgate’s emergence as a leading supplier of content to cable and broadcast networks, with fiscal 2008 revenues of nearly $210 million. One of the industry’s most forward-thinking strategists and creative dealmakers, she has been instrumental in forging new relationships and business models that have paved the way for such Lionsgate productions as the multiple Emmy and Golden Globe-winning series MAD MEN, AMC’s first original drama series set to launch its third season this summer; CRASH, the original drama from the producers of Lionsgate’s Oscar-winning film, which commences production on its second season in May; Showtime’s critically acclaimed hit comedy WEEDS starring Golden Globe winner Mary-Louise Parker; the new Showtime comedy series NURSE JACKIE starring three-time Emmy Award winner Edie Falco; the new college football comedy series BLUE MOUNTAIN STATE for Spike TV; IFC’s first original event telefilm, LAURELL K. HAMILTON’S ANITA BLAKE: VAMPIRE HUNTER; NBC’s suspense and horror anthology series FEAR ITSELF; and the reality competition series SCREAM QUEENS for VH1.
Stern’s innovative deal-making has allowed Lionsgate to bypass the pilot stage and go straight to series on several projects, including the 13-episode drama CRASH, for which she was able to adapt a complex indie film and financing model involving nine producers to the more limited constraints of a TV structure; FEAR ITSELF, for which she carved out rights and put together an international tax deal, international equity financing, a window for FEARnet, and a home video window to deliver the 13-episode primetime series to NBC for a fraction of the license fee the network would ordinarily pay for such a production; and last season’s 8-episode limited series THE KILL POINT for Spike TV. In addition, she recently negotiated a two-season pickup of WEEDS, which guarantees Lionsgate six full seasons of the series.
As part of Lionsgate’s ongoing initiative to expand its television business, Stern created a new television joint programming venture last year with Michael Hirschorn and Stella Stolper’s Ish Entertainment, which entered into the partnership with a commitment for three TV series, including the reality competition series “Paris Hilton’s My New BFF” and “50 Cent: The Money and the Power” under a first-look deal with MTV Networks. She also helped guide Lionsgate into the emerging area of international format production. In addition, Lionsgate has television development deals with Roy Lee and Doug Davison’s Vertigo Entertainment, Brian Robbins’ Varsity Pictures, and Steve Buscemi’s and Stanley Tucci’s Olive Productions.
Stern has expanded Lionsgate’s cost-efficient production opportunities by developing and managing relationships with the governments of New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Louisiana and Canada. She also played a key role in forming the company’s feature length documentary unit by creating the business model to finance these projects through co-productions with TV networks. The unit’s first production was Werner Herzog’s 2005 Sundance award-winning documentary GRIZZLY MAN, which debuted on Discovery Channel after its successful domestic theatrical run. Since then, Stern has served as an executive producer on all of the unit’s subsequent productions, including LEONARD COHEN I'M YOUR MAN; THE U.S. vs. JOHN LENNON; and most recently, GUYS ‘N’ DIVAS: BATTLE OF THE HIGH SCHOOL MUSICALS, a documentary produced with Spitfire Pictures and Showtime about real high school musicals, which will air on Showtime; STREET DOGS OF SOUTH CENTRAL, produced in partnership with Animal Planet, which follows a family of dogs living on the streets of South Central Los Angeles; and FACING ALI, produced with Spike TV, which chronicles the history of Muhammad Ali through the eyes of fighters he faced over the years.
Stern has also been instrumental in launching Lionsgate’s first foray into the area of live theater with the stage production of DIRTY DANCING. After sold-out performances in Australia, New Zealand, Germany, The Netherlands and on London’s West End, the show began its U.S. tour in Chicago in October and makes its West Coast premiere in Los Angeles this month.
Stern joined Lionsgate in 2003 as Executive Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs, and in 2005, was promoted to her current post. She previously served as Chief Operating Officer of Artists Television Group, where she helped create and structure the company and directed its business affairs, legal, finance, administrative and production operations. Prior to that, she worked for eight years, first as Senior Vice President, then Executive Vice President of the Columbia TriStar Television Group at Sony Pictures Entertainment, working closely with Columbia TriStar Television Group head Jon Feltheimer.
From 1986 through 1991, Stern was senior vice president in charge of business affairs and international development at New World Entertainment, where she put together the first ever international co-production for a U.S. broadcast network.
A graduate of UCLA Law School, Stern began her career in the Columbia Pictures Television legal department, followed by a stint as a television attorney with the law firm that is now Bloom, Hergott, Cook, Diemer & Klein.
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 Scott Sternberg CEO and Founder Scott Sternberg ProductionsUSA
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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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 Paula Zahn for Discovery.
Recently completed projects from Scott Sternberg Productions include a second season of the hit series The Academy (Fox Reality), The Singing Office (TLC), That’s The Question (GSN), Shootout for AMC and the international celebrity news hit Hollywood Uncensored.
Sternberg has produced a number of successful talk and variety shows, most recently including the industry insider series Square Off for TV Guide with Brian Lowry of Variety and Andy Wallenstein of Hollywood Reporter.
In 1998, Sternberg founded Spanglish Entertainment to produce Spanish language television series for Telemundo and Univision. Some of Sternberg’s awards include an Emmy for Best Informational Series for his work as producer/director of PBS’ A Special Class with…
Scott Sternberg Productions is full service multi-media production company. In addition to traditional programming the company also produces and develops content for online distribution. Questionnaire
Name: Scott Sternberg
Title: President
Company: Scott Sternberg Productions
Company URL: www.ssprods.com
Areas of interest: Real people with great stories... real stories with great people. Game/Competition programs (in studio or on location). Talk shows with smart/interesting interviewers. Overall, I like creating shows that deal with art, design, food, sports, and/or life decisions.
Areas not interested in: I am not really disinterested in anything. If there is a story, it can be brought to life.
Best Ways to Pitch: Be passionate and have visuals. Know your show, and leave behind a DVD and Proposal (and if possible, online links).
Pitch irritations: Do not pitch if you are not prepared. Know your show and your audience. Know what it will look like. Make sure you have the rights locked up.
Budgets and Costs: It's not necessary in a non-scripted pitch.
Contact for Submissions: Tracy Whittaker - VP of Development and Production at Scott Sternberg Productions
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 Beth Stevenson Executive Vice President Production and Programming Decode EntertainmentCanada
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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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, an animated adult series co-produced with Hat Trick Productions and DELILAH & JULIUS, a new animated series for children. Beth has also been the Executive Producer on RADIO FREE ROSCOE, FRANNY’S FEET, UNDERGRADS co-produced with MTV, ANGELA ANACONDA, THE HOOBS co-produced with Henson and WATERSHIP DOWN. Beth joined DECODE from Alliance Multimedia where she co-produced “Captain Star” and was the Alliance Executive for “Reboot” and “Beast Wars”.
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 Richard Stursberg EVP English Services CBCCanada
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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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-TV, CBC.ca, and three national radio networks (one on-line), with a combined budget of more than $770 million and approximately 5,000 employees in 13 major offices across the country and 12 foreign bureaus.
Most recently, Mr. Stursberg was Executive Director of Telefilm Canada. Within the last decade, he was President and CEO of CANCOM (Canadian Satellite Communications), and Star Choice. Prior to that, he was President and CEO of the Canadian Cable Television Association. He has also been Executive Vice-President of Unitel (formerly AT&T Canada and now Allstream).
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 Kent Takano VP Programming Fine Living NetworkUSA
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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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 was Director of Original Programming for Scripps Networks’ broadband and VOD content initiatives. From 2001 to 2004, Takano was Director of Programming for HGTV. His responsibilities included the development and supervision of series and specials for the prime-time lineup. Prior to Scripps Networks, Takano was an independent producer, and he’s produced series and/or specials for, but not limited to, HGTV, Food Network, Discovery, C/NET, HGTV, ABC’s "The View", "ET," and Fox Broadcasting. He also served as a consultant at the NBC, ABC, and CBS affiliates in the San Francisco market.
Takano graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from the University of California, Berkeley. Program Executive Survey
Broadcast Region: U.S. and other territories
Areas of Interest: Relationships, Cocktails, Travel, Weight Loss – mostly half-hours. Originals and licenses.
Not Interested In: Food or Design, unless available for license only.
Best Ways to Pitch: Log lines or one-sheet. Anything more than Log lines requires a Submission Release Form, unless you are rep’d by an agency we’re familiar with.
Pitch Irritations: Really? Hmm. #1 has to be repeated pitches of the same or similar idea after being turned down.
Budgets & Costs: TBD. Proposal does NOT have to include budget. Usually too much goes into a treatment after it’s submitted to be accurate.
Good co-production partners: Too many to list! Really, anyone who can show a good track record.
Contact for Submissions: Michelle Randall mrandall@fineliving.com
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 Toper Taylor President and COO Cookie Jar EntertainmentUSA
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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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 children’s properties including "Caillou", "The Doodlebops", "Arthur", "Inspector Gadget" and "Strawberry Shortcake".
Taylor also served as president of Nelvana where he successfully managed global brands such as “Beyblade, Babar,” “Franklin the Turtle,” Maurice Sendak’s “Little Bear,” “Max and Ruby,” “Rolie Polie Olie.”.
A graduate of USC, he is co-chairman of the Board of Councilors of the Roski School of Fine Arts and a founder of the Television Board of Directors for the School of Cinematic Arts. Questionnaire
Name: Toper Taylor
Title: President and COO
Company: Cookie Jar Entertainment
Company URL: www.cookiejarentertainment.com
Interest
Live action or animated
Comedy 6-11
Action adventure with humor
Girls teen/tween
Young adult/prime time animation
Gameshows for teen/tweens
Reality shows for teen/tweens
Preschool
Holiday specials
No interest
Bad show ideas
Shows that are too local
Evil leading characters
Best Way to Pitch
Have a treatment that includes principal characters, storylines and themes/mission/purpose/unique selling point and artwork
Worst Pitches
Don't tell us what kids are looking for or what kids want; just pitch the show and focus on the characters’ tone and voice and storylines
Don't pitch us show concepts based on programming we already make or that are on-air
Don't be too precious with your idea
Budgets
Budgets range from $20 per episode for a game show to $250,000 for a kids cartoon half hour to $500,000 per episode for a single camera half hour fill teen show to $1 million per half hour for a prime time animated half hour to $4 million for a two hour live action mow
Submit ideas to Gwen McCauley (gmccauley@cjar.com)
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 Konrad von Finckenstein Chairman CRTCCanada
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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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 the CRTC, he served as Justice of the Federal Court.
Previously, Mr. von Finckenstein acted as Commissioner of Competition and head of the Competition Bureau of Canada between 1997 and 2003. During his tenure, he led important reviews of proposed mergers between companies, including those in the banking and airline sectors. He also investigated a conspiracy affecting the sale and supply of an additive widely used in the animal feed industry, which resulted in one of the largest fines in Canadian history. Moreover, he led the drive to establish the International Competition Network, the umbrella organization for all competition authorities from around the world, and became its founding chairman, a position he held until his appointment to the Federal Court.
Through his earlier roles as Assistant Deputy Minister and Assistant Attorney General in the Canadian departments of Industry, Justice and External Affairs, he notably oversaw the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), negotiated the dispute settlement mechanism of the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, and supervised the drafting and implementation of that agreement. During the 1980s, he served as Senior General Counsel with Industry Canada and the Trade Negotiations Office.
Born in Germany, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Carleton University and Bachelor of Laws from Queen's University. He was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1984 and received the Outstanding Achievement Award of the Public Service of Canada in 2002.
Mr. von Finckenstein's term ends on January 24, 2012.
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 Barbara Wall EVP Television LionsgateUSA
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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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 November 2005, she has played a pivotal role in the ongoing expansion of its television activities.
Wall’s most recent accomplishments include development of Showtime’s upcoming comedy series NURSE JACKIE, premiering in June 2009, starring three-time Emmy Award winner Edie Falco; CRASH, the original drama series from the producers of Lionsgate’s Academy Award-winning Best Picture, going into its second season on Starz; and NBC’s suspense and horror anthology FEAR ITSELF. She oversees the company’s impressive TV production slate, which also includes the multiple Emmy and Golden Globe-winning series MAD MEN, beginning its third season this summer on AMC; Showtime’s critically acclaimed hit comedy WEEDS starring Golden Globe winner Mary-Louise Parker, which has been picked up for seasons five and six; the new college football comedy series BLUE MOUNTAIN STATE for Spike TV; and IFC’s first original event telefilm, LAURELL K. HAMILTON’S ANITA BLAKE: VAMPIRE HUNTER. Wall is responsible for overseeing scripted development from production company principals Roy Lee and Doug Davison’s Vertigo Entertainment, Brian Robbins’ Varsity Pictures, Stanley Tucci’s and Steve Buscemi’s Olive Productions, as well as Jenji Kohan, Matthew Weiner, and Ish Entertainment.
During her three-year tenure at Lionsgate, Wall has also spearheaded such productions as THE KILL POINT, an original eight-hour drama event on Spike TV, starring Emmy winner John Leguizamo and Donnie Wahlberg; Kevin Williamson’s drama series HIDDEN PALMS for The CW; the Lifetime comedy series LOVESPRING; SCI FI’s detective/fantasy series THE DRESDEN FILES; the acclaimed six-hour limited series event THE LOST ROOM, also for SCI FI; and ABC Family’s popular drama WILDFIRE.
Prior to joining Lionsgate, Wall was executive vice president of production and development for Paul Attanasio’s Heel and Toe Films, where she helped develop the pilot for the hit series House, and subsequently worked in that same capacity for Landscape Entertainment overseeing the drama series Medical Investigation for NBC. During her distinguished career, she has served as vice president of drama development for 20th Century Fox Television, vice president of original series programming for TNT and director of current programming for Fox Broadcasting Company.
While at 20th Century Fox Television beginning in Fall 1996, she supervised the creation of nine one-hour pilots, four of which were picked up as series, including 24, The Education of Max Bickford, American Embassy and U.C. Undercover. She also worked with writer-executive producer Rob Thomas to develop the hit UPN series Veronica Mars.
In January 1999, Wall was recruited by TNT to establish a new series programming division. As Vice President of Original Series Programming, she commissioned the dramas Breaking News, Witchblade and Bull, working with producers such as Oliver Stone and Dan Halsted, and writers including Gardner Stern (Las Vegas), Michael Chernuchin (Law and Order) and J.D. Zeik (Ronin). Before leaving TNT in July 2000 to join 20th Century Fox Television, she also developed pilots with Oscar-nominated screenwriter/journalist Nicholas Pileggi (Goodfellas), Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon (Wonder Boys) and Lynda LaPlante (Prime Suspect), who adapted her BBC series The Warden as her first foray into American television in conjunction with Granada Television.
Wall began her career in 1990 as an associate story editor at Paramount Pictures and quickly moved up to become Head of Development for Richard and Esther Shapiro Entertainment. In January 1996, she was hired as Series Programming Consultant for USA Network, where she assisted in the development of La Femme Nikita. In the fall of that year, she joined Fox Broadcasting Company as Director of Current Programming, where she supervised The X-Files, Party of Five and Ally McBeal, as well as numerous half-hour multi-camera comedies.
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Ed Waller Editorial Director C21 MediaLondon 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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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 trade magazines Televisual Magazine, Middle East Satellite and Asia-Pacific Satellite.
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 Barry Walsh Editor RealscreenCanada
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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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 renowned Realscreen Summit, the world's biggest non-fiction/factual entertainment conference, held annually in Washington, DC.
Prior to joining Realscreen this past December, Walsh was associate editor at its sister publication, "Boards Magazine", which covers the international commercial production landscape. Before Boards, Walsh served as editor from 2004-2005 at Canada's weekly music industry trade, "Canadian Music Network".
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 Tony Walsh Founding Director Phantom CompassCanada
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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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 2008. An internationally-recognized expert on the intersection of games and culture, he directs and produces proprietary content as well as services work for global clients.
Since the turn of the century, Walsh has been a key game designer and writer for award-winning extended-TV games such as Regenesis and Fallen. In 2008 he co-wrote Liberty News, the extended-TV component of BBC 3 series "Spooks: Code 9” and in 2009 co-produced Breakout Games, a suite of Flash games supporting CBC TV series “Breakout!”
As a consultant, speaker, and mentor, Walsh shares his experience with organizations and institutions around the world. In Canada, he has developed and taught game design courses for George Brown College and Centennial College. He has coached film, television, and interactive producers on locally, in Australia, the USA, and the UK. He is an advisory group member of the Australian Film, Television, and Radio School, the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague, and the Screenburn games festival (part of SXSW) in Texas.
Walsh appeared in the 2008 game culture documentary Second Skin, has been a guest on numerous Canadian television segments, and has been cited in such publications as Wired, Discover, Utne, and the Harvard Business Review. He has presented to international audiences on such topics as the intersection of sex and gaming, the role of marketing in virtual worlds, and the relationships between factual films and “Alternate Reality” games.
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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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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 Services in the United States, Canada and Latin America.
Prior to her current position, Ms. Westman served as Senior Vice President, HIT Entertainment Canada and Latin America where she managed the Canadian and Latin American divisions of the Company’s broadcast sales, home entertainment, licensing and live events businesses. In addition, she oversaw the brand management for HIT’s portfolio of classic preschool brands in the region, including Angelina Ballerina™, Barney™, Bob the Builder™ and Thomas & Friends™, among others.
Before joining HIT, she served as General Manager at Kids Motion where she managed video distribution for a leading Canadian children’s video company. While there, she was part of the team that launched Barney Home video in Canada and represented other properties, including Wishbone, The Wiggles and Veggie Tales. She began at Kids Motion in finance as an Assistant Controller and moved into the Sales division as an account manager prior to becoming the General Manager.
Previously, Ms. Westman was the Director, Finance, Swift Adhesive, a leading provider of industrial adhesives, where she managed all finance and customer service departments for the Company for its manufacturing plants across Canada
Ms. Westman received her BA in Administrative Studies from York University.
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 Barbara Williams EVP Content Canwest BroadcastingCanada
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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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 U.S. acquisitions; to a network launch, under Barbara’s leadership and vision, Canwest has experienced many key successes.
Within a few short years, Barbara, along with her talented team have launched an amazing array of Canadian originals including "Entertainment Tonight Canada", "Deal or No Deal Canada" with Host, Howie Mandel, "Are You Smarter Than a Canadian 5th Grader?" with Host, Colin Mochrie, "The Guard", "‘da Kink in my Hair" to name a few; while further complementing the programming roster with top US hits such as "Prison Break", "The Office", "Heroes", "Brothers & Sisters" as well as staking claim on the country’s #1 series, "House". And most recently, in September 2007, kicked off the highly anticipated launch of Canwest’s E! network in Canada.
An experienced and accomplished media executive, in her previous role as Vice President and General Manager of Toronto1, Barbara oversaw the launch and management of Toronto’s newest conventional television station. Prior to her posting at Toronto1, Barbara was Senior Vice President of Lifestyle Programming at Alliance Atlantis, responsible for all programming on Life Network, HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, and Discovery Health Channel.
Barbara brings innovative thinking and a real passion and understanding of our business from over 25 years in media.
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 Brett Wilson Managing Director and President Prairie Merchant CorporationCanada
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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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 for living life with passion, priorities, and a commitment to basic prairie values.
In 1993, he co-founded FirstEnergy Capital Corp., a Canadian brokerage firm that provides investment-banking services to Canada’s oil and gas sector. FirstEnergy is an industry leader, having participated in thousands of financing and M&A projects worth over $150 billion. Wilson stepped down from active duty with FirstEnergy in 2007, and formerly retired as Managing Director and Chairman in December of 2008. He remains a shareholder in the firm.
He is also Managing Director and President of Prairie Merchant Corporation, a private merchant bank focused on business opportunities in the energy, agriculture, real estate, sports, and entertainment industries.
Brett has been honored with numerous awards during his career, including being ranked as one of Canada’s “Top 40 under 40”, Top 20 Deal Makers, and Top M&A Specialists. He is a distinguished graduate of the U of C’s Faculty of Management and has received wide recognition for broad contributions to community. In 2007, he was singled out as Calgary’s Person of the Year, and was the recipient of the U of S Alumni Award of Achievement. He has also been recognized for his significant contribution to the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) both at the regional and global levels.
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 Gavin Wise VP and Senior Counsel West Coast Programming Home Box OfficeUSA
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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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 both the scripted and reality television areas and in features both at the studio and independent level. He also counseled studios as well as independent production companies and distributors. Prior to moving to Los Angeles in 1999 to work at Loeb & Loeb, Gavin practiced entertainment law with Blake, Cassels and Graydon in Toronto where, among other interests, he represented U.S. studios in connection with their activities in Canada.
Gavin was Manager, Development, Financing and Production, Independent Production at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation from 1995 to 1996.
He is a member of both the State Bar of California and The Law Society of Upper Canada.
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 Liz Wise Director Original Movies Lifetime Television NetworksUSA
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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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. The many successful Lifetime Original Movies she’s been involved with include the ratings hits “To Be Fat Like Me”, and the Television Academy honored “Girl Positive”, the Humanitas nominated “A Life Interrupted: The Debbie Smith Story” and the Nora Roberts collections of 2007 and 2009. Liz Wise rose through the trenches of physical production in Calgary and Toronto, working on such projects as CBS’s “Due South”. She joined Lifetime in 2004 from The Alpern Group, a literary agency in Los Angeles where she had established a reputation for finding and championing fresh, unique voices, and developing unusual projects for series and reality television. Program Executive Survey
Broadcast Region: USA
Areas of Interest: Television movies and miniseries. True stories valuable.
Not Interested In: Series or reality
Best Ways to Pitch: Logline and developed story (beginning, middle, end), length not important. Any background material and life rights if true story.
Pitch Irritations: Know Lifetime’s demographic. Audience is predominately women.
Budgets & Costs: Must be produceable on basic cable budgets.
Good co-production partners: (domestic / international) Flexible
Contact for Submissions: Solicited projects only: via telephone or email.
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 Tom Zappala SVP Program Acquisitions and Scheduling ABC Cable Networks GroupUSA
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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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 movies as “Another Cinderella Story”, and “Picture This!” with Ashley Tisdale, as well as the co-productions of “Bring it On” and “Cutting Edge” movie franchises, the original animated special “A Miser Brothers’ Christmas,” and the series “Falcon Beach,” produced in conjunction with Global TV network. He has also negotiated important off-net acquisitions, including “Gilmore Girls,” "My Wife and Kids," "That 70’s Show," and blockbuster theatricals, including the “Harry Potter” and “The Chronicles of Narnia” series of films. Previously, Zappala was SVP, programming, Viacom where he was responsible for overseeing all programming and research operations. In addition, Zappala negotiated Viacom's off-network, first-run and feature acquisitions including "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation", "Friends", "Everybody Loves Raymond" and "Dr. Phil" as well as terms for the broadcast windows for "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring". Program Executive Survey
Areas of Interest: Drama, Family, Comedy, Features, Christmas Programming
Not Interested In: Adult, Sports, Horror
Best Ways to Pitch: E-mail
Pitch Irritations: Not taking “no” for an answer.
Budgets & Costs: Depends on the production.
Contact for Submissions: Megan Slaughter – Senior Manager, Acquisitions, ABC Family. Megan.C.Slaughter@disney.com
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