PROGRAM TorontoNovember 18-20, 2015

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THANKSto the 2015 Children, Youth & Media ConferenCe

sponsors

SPECIAL THANKS

YOUTH MEDIA ALLIANCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ChairJ.J. JOHNSON / Sinking Ship Entertainment

SecretaryMICHELE PARIS / Knowledge and BBC kids

TreasurerVINCE COMMISSO / 9 Story Media Group

DirectorsGUILLAUME ANIORTÉ / Frima StudioJUDITH BEAUREGARD / ToboATHENA GEORGAKLIS / TeletoonMICHAEL GOLDSMITH / DHX TelevisionMADELEINE LÉVESQUE / Sardine ProductionsIRA LEVY / Breakthrough EntertainmentMARTIN MARKLE / Kids’ CBCPETER MOSS / PDM EntertainmentJAMIE PIEKARZ / Corus EntertainmentALEXANDRA RAFFÉ / Thunderbird FilmsKIM WILSON

YMA OFFICE TEAM

CHANTAL BOWEN / Executive DirectorLYNE CÔTÉ / Special Events and Communications

Youth Media Alliance would like to warmly thank its 2015 Children, Youth & Media Conference advisory committee:

NATALIE DUMOULIN / 9 Story Media GroupRACHEL MARCUS / Guru StudioMICHELLE MELANSON CUPERUS / Radical Sheep ProductionsLYNN OLDERSHAW / Kids’ CBCMIK PERLUS / marblemediaJAMIE PIEKARZ / Corus Entertainment

MARTHA SEPULVEDA / Breakthrough EntertainmentCLAUDIA SICONDOLFOJULIE STALL / Portfolio EntertainmentTRAVIS WILLIAMS / Mercury FilmworksSUZANNE WILSON / TVO Kids

And the volunteers:

KELLY LYNNE ASHTON, KAYLA LATHAM, HENRIKA LUONG, TATIANA MARQUES, JAYNA RAN and MARCELA LUCIA ROJAS.

Words from Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 4Words from Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 5Schedule and Venue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 6General Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 8Workshop with Sheena Macrae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 12Workshop with Linda Schuyler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 12Prix Jeunesse Screening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 13Speakers’ Biographies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 15

The Lion King was my first introduction to the idea of the circle of life; the concept that we’re all connected and that when something dies it gives new life to another. Heady stuff for 15-year-old me. Twenty years later and I’m starting to appreciate that there is a circle of production as well. We develop, we pitch, we re-develop, we scavenge for money, we produce, we deliver, and then the cycle starts anew.

Admittedly, at times during that process it feels like you’re being run over by a herd of wildebeest—mo notes, mo problems. (Network executives, please do not read into this that you’re the wildebeests…) But no matter the challenge, the struggle, or the hardships, we all can’t seem to stop ourselves from doing it over and over again. The only reason I can think of why is because what we all do truly matters. Whether it’s teaching young audiences about their world or giving them a break in their day with a laugh– everything our industry makes brightens a kid’s day.

That, will forever be worth the hooving.

Thank you so much for joining us here today, I hope you have an incredible conference filled with inspiration, commiseration, and excitement for the bright future ahead.

J.J. JOHNSON

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WORDSfroM Chair

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We are very pleased to welcome you to the 2015 Children, Youth & Media Conference at the St. Andrews Club & Conference Centre and CBC.

Not only are we proud to present outstanding guest speakers, we’re also very excited to launch the latest YMA project: The Digital Toolkit.

This year’s themes range from traditional and digital TV content to developments in animation to the shifting landscape of virtual reality.

Talks and workshops like this are a golden opportunity for us to join forces with industry and share the expertise, knowledge and talent that have made the reputation of Canadian children’s and youth productions at home and abroad.

We anticipate an exciting few days and I’ll remind you that YMA’s new website also features our calendar of events, which you can consult throughout the year.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Directors, the conference advisory committee and CBC/Radio-Canada for their support, and above all, our unfaltering sponsors for their generous financial contribution that’s been so instrumental in making us the success we are today.

Enjoy the conference!

CHANTAL BOWEN

WORDSfroM executive direCtor

Schedule

noVeMBer 18: GenerAL ConferenCe 8:30–9 a.m. Registration and Breakfast9–9:15 a.m. Opening of the Children, Youth & Media Conference by YMA Executive Director 9:15–10 a.m. A Conversation with Dan Signer10:15–11:15 a.m. Showrunners in Animation11:15 a.m.– 12:15 p.m. Initiatives for Social Change12:15–1:30 p.m. Lunch (including the State of the Union with Broadcasters)1:30–2 p.m. YMA Annual General Meeting (for members only)2:15–3:15 p.m. One-On-One with Howy Parkins, Supervising Director of Disney’s new series, The Lion Guard3:30–4:30 p.m. Innovation in Virtual Reality Initiatives4:45–5:15 p.m. Launch of the Digital Toolkit 5:15–6:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception

noVeMBer 19: WorKShoPSWORKSHOP WITH SHEENA MACRAE Director, Storycake“Creativity, social awareness and business: Making them work together”

8:45–9 a.m. Registration & Coffee9 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Workshop with Sheena Macrae

WORKSHOP WITH LINDA SCHUYLER Executive Producer, Epitome Pictures along with Sarah Glinski, Matt Huether and Stephanie Cohen“How to make TV that lasts”

12:45–1 p.m. Registration & Coffee1–4 p.m. Workshop with Linda Schuyler

ST. ANDREW’S CLUB & CONFERENCE CENTREGARDEN HALL – 16TH FLOOR150 KING STREET WEST TORONTO, ON M5H 1J9PHONE: (416) 366-4228

CBC’S CANADIAN BROADCASTING CENTREROOM 1B315GROUND FLOOR 250 FRONT STREET W. TORONTO, ON M5V 3G5

CBC’S CANADIAN BROADCASTING CENTREROOM 1B315GROUND FLOOR 250 FRONT STREET W. TORONTO, ON M5V 3G5

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AND VENUES

noVeMBer 20: Prix JeuneSSe ScreeninGSCREENING OF PRODUCTIONS FROM THE INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S TV FESTIVAL PRIX JEUNESSE (MUNICH). The discussions will be facilitated by Jan-Willem-Bult, Chief Editor, WADADA News for Kids and Head of Children, Youth & Media, Free Press Unlimited.

9–9:15 a.m. Registration9:15–9:30 am. Welcome and Introduction9:30–11:30 a.m. Screening – Preschool and Primary Programming

• I know an animal – 11 min – Germany • The summer with dad – 5 min – Norway• The Show with the Elephant: sign language

– 25 min – Germany • Wombo – 7 min – Germany• Get well soon – 14 min – United Kingdom• Masha and the bear – 7 min – Russia • Friends of nature – 22 min – Denmark • Operation Ouch – 29 min – United Kingdom

11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Discussion12:15–1:15 p.m. Lunch (included)1:15–1:30 p.m. WADADA News for Kids1:30–3:45 p.m. Screening – Tween and Teen Shows

• Labyrinth – 26 min – Sweden• My father – 7 min – Netherlands• The Games – 7 min – Norway• Bente’s Voice – 30 min – Netherlands• Burka Avenger – 24 min – Pakistan• My life breaking free – 28 min – United Kingdom • Mimoun – 26 min – Netherlands

3:45–4:30 p.m. Discussion

CBC’S CANADIAN BROADCASTING CENTREROOM 1B315GROUND FLOOR 250 FRONT STREET W. TORONTO, ON M5V 3G5

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CONFERENCEGENERAL

a ConverSATion WiTh dAn SiGnerProlific Canadian television producer and writer Dan Signer is the creator and executive producer of three hit live-action series for kids: A.N.T. Farm (Disney Channel), Mr. Young (YTV/DisneyXD), and most recently YTV’s top-rated sitcom, Some Assembly Required (YTV/Netflix), which he co-created with Howard Nemetz. He will share his extensive experience in the multi-cam sitcom format. Dan and the show’s producer Alexandra Raffé will also address the challenges and successes of working in that genre in Canada.

PANELLISTS:• Alexandra Raffé, Vice President Production, Thunderbird Films• Dan Signer, Co-creator, Executive Producer and Showrunner of Some Assembly Required

MODERATOR: • Jamie Piekarz, Director of Content YTV, Treehouse, Nickelodeon Canada l Corus Entertainment

ShoWrUnnerS in aniMationWhat exactly is a showrunner? How does a showrunner ensure the creative integrity of a project from start to finish? Join Dave Beatty in conversation with Scott Fellows (Big Time Rush, Johnny Test) Lienne Sawatsky & Dan Williams (ToonMarty, Franklin, Wishfart) and Simon Racioppa & Richard Elliott (Fangbone, George of the Jungle) as they explore what it means to be a showrunner and discuss how they keep their shows creatively on the rails against all odds! How does the process differ in an animated production from a live action show? Are Canadian shows run differently than American shows? Our team of showrunners will unpack some of the challenges they face and exchange ideas on how to best overcome them as they strive to maintain a solid creative vision from script to screen.

PANELLISTS:• Scott Fellows (Big Time Rush, Johnny Test) • Simon Racioppa & Richard Elliot (Fangbone, George of the Jungle)• Lienne Sawatsky & Dan Williams (ToonMarty, Franklin, Wishfart)

MODERATOR: • Dave Beatty, Producer and Writer, Portfolio Entertainment

PRESENTED BY

initiATiVeS For SoCial ChanGeGet ready to think outside the box! This panel will feature three unique initiatives designed to promote social change. Ollie The Boy Who Became What He Ate, a television, digital and educational project, based on a book by Sheena Macrae, aims to instill good nutritional habits in children. Andrew Kavanagh’s Dougie Noir animation series is a detective show with a difference. Dougie Noir presents a tangible role model for children with ADD/ADHD and treats ADHD as a “difference” rather than a “disorder”. Maritza Basaran and Dr. Elaine Bidiss’ Botley’s Bootle Blast is an interactive video game for use in home-based therapies for children with Cerebral Palsy. The purpose is to make an often difficult and frustrating therapy more fun by connecting it to a gaming system using the Microsoft Kinect (a motion tracking camera) to capture the movements of players. Television shows, online projects, and outreach initiatives with an agenda for social change carry with them unique considerations, challenges, and rewards. The panelists will discuss each of these, and will share their experiences in creating properties that can actually make a difference in the lives of children.

PANELLISTS: • Maritza Basaran, Kids Media Specialist and Research Assistant, PEARL Lab, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

• Dr. Elaine Biddiss, Scientist and Director, PEARL Lab, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

• Andrew Kavanagh, CEO, Kavaleer Productions• Sheena Macrae, Director, Storycake

MODERATOR: • Lynn Oldershaw, Executive in Charge of Production, Kids’ CBC and Developmental Psychologist

State of The union WiTh BroAdcaSTerSWhat’s cooking? During this activity, broadcasters will take turns to discuss the state of their respective channels. They will address a variety of issues based on questions and comments from the audience.

PANELLISTS: • Athena Georgaklis, Director of Content, TELETOON• Michael Goldsmith, VP, Original Production, DHX Television• Marney Malabar, Director, Kids TV, TVO• Martin Markle, Senior Director, Kids’ CBC• Jamie Piekarz, Director of Content YTV, Treehouse, Nickelodeon Canada l Corus Entertainment

• Lisa Purdy, Director, Knowledge Kids and BBC Kids

MODERATOR: • Ryan St. Peters, Vice President, Kids & Family, Shaftesbury

PRESENTED BY

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one-on-one WiTh hoWY PArKinS, SUPerviSinG direCtor of diSneY’S neW SerieS, The Lion GUardTwenty years after the release of the Academy Award-winning animated feature, The Lion King, Disney is soon launching a new TV movie and subsequent series called The Lion Guard. Get a behind-the-scenes look at this iconic franchise as Supervising Director, Howy Parkins (Jake and the Never Land Pirates), shares his experiences from early development to show launch and beyond!

MODERATOR: • Clint Eland, President and Executive Producer, Mercury Filmworks

innoVATion in VirtuAL realitY initiATiVeS

Virtual reality may be a nascent trend, but studios are starting to take advantage of opportunities to engage young people in digital environments that feel similar to real world objects and events. Mattel is embracing the VR world by re-launching its good old View-Master, but as a virtual reality and augmented-reality phone toy. The new View-Master is a collaboration between Mattel and Google, and one of the modules is being developed by Frima. Jonathan Bélisle’s multimedia book Wuxia the Fox illustrates another compelling future of storytelling. When the story is read out loud, words, pauses, rhythm and tone of voice are captured by the iPad app and activate sounds, music, videos and compelling interactive scenes. The book also becomes a game board. When game pieces are arranged on the pages and filmed by the iPad, readers can discover new scenes and activate a mysterious intergalactic instrument that plays music. Sinking Ship is developing a VR project for its renowned brand Dino Dan. James Milward, from Secret Location, will speak about what it takes to bring content from concept to the very devices it’s viewed on — and the technological challenges with which studios still struggle. Is there a tremendous potential to use virtual reality for kids content? Will VR soon be more accessible for creators and producers of kids content? How is VR reaching the narrative community and becoming a platform for telling stories, beyond gaming? What are the opportunities?

PANELLISTS: • Luc Beaulieu, Chief Technology Officer, Frima• Jonathan Bélisle, Co-Founder and Chief Design Officer, SAGA• Laurent Guérin, Chief Content Officer, Groupe Média TFO • James Milward, President and Executive Producer, Secret Location• Blair Powers, Partner and Producer, Sinking Ship Entertainment

MODERATOR: • Caitlin Fisher, Ph.D., Director, Augmented Reality Lab/ Associate Professor, Cinema and Media Arts, York University

PRESENTED BY

LAUNCH OF THE DIGITAL TOOLKITThe YMA’s Digital Toolkit is a practical tool addressing the ethical and legal issues faced by producers of digital content for kids.

Created by specialists in the production and distribution of content for the very youngest audiences, the kit pragmatically explores the ethical and legal questions — safety, moderation, online payment, advertising, marketing, personal information and more — that arise when operating a kids’ website or mobile app on the Canadian and international markets.

Credits: Researcher & Author: Sabrina Dubé-Morneau, Translator: Lesley McCubbin Contributors: Guillaume Aniorté, Christiane Asselin, Judith Beauregard, Chloé Benaroya, Chantal Bowen, Geneviève Brault, André H. Caron, Amy Dam, Sophie Dufort, Caroline Julien, François Larose, Jean-Phillipe Marin, Sandrine Pechels de Saint Sardos. Thank you to CBC/Radio-Canada’s Linguistic Services Department, Nathalie Jackson from Quebec’s Office de la protection du consommateur, TVO’s Jessica McLaughlin, and Myriam Amzallag from Université de Montréal’s Center for Youth and Media Studies.

With funding from:

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PRESENTED BYNETWORKING COCKTAIL RECEPTIONCome celebrate with the delegates and the YMA team!

BC Producers’ Branch

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WORKSHOPSwith Sheena MacraeDIRECTOR OF STORYCAKE

CreATiViTY, SoCial aWareneSS and BUSineSS: MAKinG TheM WorK ToGeTherHow do you stay creative, produce work that fulfills a social mission and have a business model that makes it all happen?

More often then not, we excel at one aspect but need complementary skills or partners to turn a great idea into a global brand.

Sheena Macrae, creator of the preschool brand Ollie: The Boy Who Became What He Ate, will share her experience in going from the seed of an idea to the production of a CBC children’s animated TV show (produced by Radical Sheep), a children’s storybook, an educational book series, an academic study and the launch of a digital app and Internet of Things prototype.

The workshop will examine the process of building a global brand from a creative, social and business standpoint. How can you advance your creative ideas? What’s the best way to showcase concepts? When is an idea ready to pitch? What are brand missions and how can you tell if they are working? What are the new business models? What do you need to know about today’s economy? Macrae will share insights gained through the ups and downs of growing the idea she created with her business partner Mickey Rogers into a global brand and offer strategies for combining creativity with social awareness and business sense.

with Linda SchuylerEXECUTIVE PRODUCER, EPITOME PICTURES

hoW To MAKe Tv That LAStSLinda Schuyler, Degrassi’s co-creator and Executive Producer, along with Sarah Glinski and Matt Huether, current Executive Producers and Stephanie Cohen, Producer, Extra Content discuss how to make a television show that engages fans year after year. Topics will include: structuring a season, breaking an episode, keeping it fresh and authentic in an evolving broadcaster landscape, and sustaining relevance for the youth audience in a dynamic digital universe.

PRESENTED BY

SCREENINGPrix Jeunesse PRODUCTIONS WILL BE SCREENED IN THEIR ORIGINAL VERSION WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES AS NEEDED.

We invite you to a screening and discussion of kids TV from around the world, drawn from the International Children’s TV Festival Prix Jeunesse. The morning will be devoted to preschool and primary programming; the afternoon, to tween/teen shows. The discussions that follow will be facilitated by Jan-Willem-Bult, Chief Editor, WADADA News for Kids and Head of Children, Youth & Media, Free Press Unlimited.

I KNOW AN ANIMAL | GERMANY – 11 MIN – UP TO 6How many ways can you look at an animal? Through animation and live action, art and science, observation and imitation, kids learn about snails. (Mixed format) [Winner: Up to 6 Non-Fiction]

THE SUMMER WITH DAD | NORWAY – 5 MIN – UP TO 6Five-year-old Axel goes on a summer trip with his Dad, so they can get to know each other. While his father showers, Axel decides to try out his hair clippers. (Live) [Winner: Up to 6 Fiction]

THE SHOW WITH THE ELEPHANT: SIGN LANGUAGE | GERMANY – 25 MIN– UP TO 6A whole feature in German sign language for and with deaf children but certainly also for all children able to hear. It shows how easy it often is to understand one another even without one spoken word. (Live)

WOMBO | GERMANY – 7 MIN – UP TO 6 Wombo, an Alien, is crash landed on earth. He finds himself chased by a dog who thinks he’s food and shortly after that he almost becomes an ingredient in a vegetable soup. There is a simple explanation for all his trouble: he looks just like a potato! (Animation)

GET WELL SOON | UNITED KINGDOM – 14 MIN – UP TO 6With puppets and humans, songs, stories and games, age-appropriate information on health issues. It wouldn’t be a PRIX JEUNESSE Suitcase without a segment on poop! (Live)

MASHA AND THE BEAR | RUSSIA – 7 MIN – UP TO 6In some ways, an old school cartoon; in others, fresh and risk-taking. Irrepressible little girl Masha makes trouble, despite the efforts of her friend, a retired circus bear. (Animation)

MorninG – PreSChooL and PriMarY ProGrAMMinG

PRESENTED BY

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FRIENDS OF NATURE | DENMARK – 22 MIN – UP TO 6Don’t let the fancy trappings (a child-size electric cart, uniforms, walkie-talkies) fool you – this nature program shows little kids working hard to care for animals. (Live)

OPERATION OUCH | UNITED KINGDOM – 29 MIN– 7-11Another health show, aimed a bit older. Twin doctors experiment, and explore typical ailments and injuries. Plenty of awesome, plenty of “ewww,” plenty of laughs. (Mixed format)

LABYRINTH | SWEDEN – 26 MIN – 7-11A steampunk game show, with an incredibly elaborate set, and a maze-master who is by turns scary and ridiculous. (Live)

MY FATHER | NETHERLANDS – 7 MIN – 7-11The essence of the series: what is like to be in a complex situation because of your father? How do you deal with your emotions? The kids film their own story. (Live)

THE GAMES | NORWAY – 7 MIN– 7-11A tween’s everyday life events get running commentary from excitable sports presenters; here, they cover his awkward first date. (Live) [Winner: 7-11 Fiction]

BENTE’S VOICE | NETHERLANDS – 30 MIN – 12-15 Bente, 11, gets a shot on Holland’s The Voice. This documentary shows how TV competitions are thoroughly constructed, but do the doc makers also manipulate her? (Live)

BURKA AVENGER | PAKISTAN – 24 MIN – 7-11Jiya is a schoolteacher who becomes the superhero Burka Avenger when there’s a threat to girls’ right to education. Her weapons include books and pens. (Animation) [Winner: Gender Equity Prize]

MY LIFE BREAKING FREE | UNITED KINGDOM – 28 MIN – 7-11Kids with Down Syndrome take on challenges that would interest any young viewer – making a swim team, surfing, and convincing parents to allow more independence. (Live)

MIMOUN | NETHERLANDS – 26 MIN – 7-11 Because children nowadays are very familiar with games and thrilling stories, the goal of that series is to take a small thriller about a boy caught between loyalty to his family / school career and the attraction, excitement of “the street”. (Live)

afTernoon – ScreeninG – TWeen and Teen ShoWS

MARITZA BASARANKids Media Specialist and Research Assistant, PEARL Lab, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation HospitalMaritza Basaran is the kid’s media specialist and research assistant in the Possibility Engineering and Research Lab (PEARL) at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. She graduated from the University of Toronto where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Health and English. Maritza continued her studies at Centennial College in the Children’s Media program where was awarded the Dean’s Award for Entrepreneurship and Innovation for an innovative project pitch designed to assist children with disabilities. Maritza works closely with engineers, research students, and programmers within the PEARL lab to develop therapeutic video games that are both fun and beneficial for kids of all abilities.

DAVE BEATTYCreative Head of Studio and Senior Producer, Portfolio EntertainmentDave Beatty is Creative Head of Studio and Senior Producer for Portfolio Entertainment where he oversees all of the studio’s creative initiatives. Beatty works end-to-end with each client or partner to understand their requirements, collaborate on ideas and ensure delivery of creative elements. A seasoned producer, writer and director, Beatty owned and operated Story City, a leading Toronto pre-production studio specializing in design, boarding, editing and post production. He is also a sough-after producer of comedy series and has been behind the production of several seasons of Johnny Test (TELETOON and Cartoon Network), Glenn Martin, DDS (CityTV and Nickelodeon), Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (CBS, Nickelodeon) and has also been nominated for an Emmy® award for Mighty Meteor Monster Truck (Discovery Kids). Beatty has previously worked in live-action production and served as an in-house producer for YTV Canada. In front of the camera and on stage, Beatty has earned his comedy chops working with the talented team at SCTV, performing stand-up and improv comedy in Toronto.

LUC BEAULIEUChief Technology Officer, FrimaLuc Beaulieu is Chief Technology Officer at Frima, a 350+ employee company with a passion for digital entertainment. He is currently leading the technical innovation and smart toy groups. Luc has over 20 years of experience in videos games, online communities and digital experiences.

JONATHAN BÉLISLECo-Founder and Chief Design Officer, SAGAJonathan Bélisle has been a Relational Artist and Web entrepreneur for close to 20 years. He is an interactive production director, dedicated UX poet, creative techie, and an inspired teacher. He studied film narratology and mastered visual thinking before mixing the two with methods borrowed from ethnography and service design to generate a playful approach to the complex problems of adding Human Touch to mobile and interactive storytelling with objects and connected media. He is the founder of Hello, Architekt ! a Sensemaking & Changemaking Consultancy, creator of Wuxia the Fox, co-founder of UX MTL a community of 600 UX professionals, a professor of experience architecture at INIS Media School and a SAGA partner where he acts as Chief Experience Architect. Founded in 2006, SAGA‘s mission is to support social change through the creation of innovative transmedia narrative universe that encourage audiences to action. SAGA also creates tools to reinvent how stories will be told tomorrow using old and emerging technologies.

SPEAKERS’Biographies

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DR. ELAINE BIDDISSScientist and Director, PEARL Lab, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation HospitalElaine is a scientist in Applied Innovation with the Bloorview Research Institute at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and an Assistant Professor with the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto. Elaine is dedicated to creating innovative solutions that support young people with disabilities to achieve their goals in both recreation and rehabilitation. She embraces an interdisciplinary design approach and enjoys the challenges of integrating engineering, medicine, arts, and design. Elaine received a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Toronto before pursuing doctoral studies in biomedical engineering at the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering and a postdoctoral fellowship with the School for Health and Related Research at the University of Sheffield.

JAN WILLEM BULTChief Editor, WADADA News for Kids l Head of Children, Youth & Media, Free Press UnlimitedJan Willem Bult is a creator/producer/trainer from the Netherlands. Since May 2014 he is Head of Children, Youth & Media at Free Press Unlimited, a Dutch NGO a.o. running the WADADA News for Kids network, a cooperation of news programs for children in currently 15 countries in 3 continents. Before Jan-Willem was 16 years Creative Head of KRO Youth dept. and has been creating over 125 programs, series and films for Netherlands Public Broadcasting. He coproduced with broadcasters and producers in over 40 countries. He has received numerous awards such as Prix Jeunesse International, Japan Prize, Dutch Academy Award, Dutch Golden Calf, Cinekid Kinderkast and Prix Danube. In 2007, Jan-Willem Bult founded his own JWBfoundation to support children’s media & sports for development & peace and he started his career as a director/scriptwriter and has been leading several TV channels.

STEPHANIE COHENVP Marketing & Communications, Epitome Pictures Inc., a DHX Media CompanyStephanie Cohen has worked in the entertainment industry for over 25 years. After graduating with concurrent degrees in English and Film from the University of Western Ontario, Stephanie freelanced as an AD and Floor Director for productions including The Juno Awards, The Gemini Awards, Open Mike with Mike Bullard, Ready or Not, Riverdale and Degrassi: The Next Generation. In 2005 Stephanie joined the Epitome team full time and continues to oversee marketing and communications for all its productions. As well, Stephanie helms the production of Epitome’s web content, having supervised the production of over 250 original content webisodes. Stephanie and her team ensure that the television projects in development and production are funded and promoted. Alongside Degrassi co-creator and Executive Producer Linda Schuyler, Stephanie was on hand in 2010 to receive Strategy’s “Brand of the Year” award, for maintaining the high quality of the Degrassi brand.

MICHAEL GOLDSMITHVice President, Original Production, DHX TelevisionMichael is Vice President, Original Production for DHX Television, managing Family Channel, Family CHRGD, Family Jr. and Télémagino. In this role, he oversees the original production slate for the entire suite of Family networks, as well as developing content to air across all platforms. Amongst the recognized series that Michael helmed are the popular reality-style drama, The Next Step, and video game series Gaming Show (In My Parents’ Garage). Currently he is leading production on more than 10 series including Backstage, Lost and Found Music Studios and the family sitcom The Wonderful Wayneys. Michael has more than 14 years experience in the television production industry.

CLINT ELANDPresident and Executive Producer, Mercury FilmworksClint has been involved in the production of children’s television since 1993. In his role as Mercury’s founder, and as either a producer or a service provider, Clint has helped bring to life some of the industry’s most memorable television and film properties including Disney’s The Lion Guard, Emmy winning Mickey Mouse shorts, Wander Over Yonder, Jake & the Neverland Pirates, Fish Hooks, Kick Buttowski: Suburban Daredevil, Jimmy Two Shoes, Stella & Sam, Toot & Puddle, Gerald McBoing Boing, & Ruby Gloom.

RICHARD ELLIOTTScreenwriter, Executive ProducerRichard Elliott is a Gemini award-winning screenwriter / executive producer writing, developing, and producing television and film for clients such as Disney, Warner Brothers, Discovery Channel, Nickelodeon, Dreamworks, Cartoon Network, Temple Street, The Jim Henson Company, IDW, The BBC, Passion Pictures, Skybound, and Nelvana – working in live action, features, and animation in Toronto and Los Angeles. Recently, he’s written for Cartoon Network’s Teen Titans, Disney’s My Babysitter’s a Vampire, story-edited Nickelodeon’s Mr. Meaty, developed and run Discovery Channel’s Grossology, Henson’s Dark Crystal: Age of Rebellion, Teletoon’s Spliced, and the upcoming FANGBONE - as well as developing and writing an original one-hour pilot for The Walking Dead’s Robert Kirkman.

SCOTT FELLOWSTelevision Writer and ProducerScott Fellows is the creator and executive producer of Nickelodeon’s Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, DHX Media’s Johnny Test, and  Nickelodeon’s hit Kids-Choice-Award-winning TV series Big Time Rush. His latest project is  100 Things to Do Before High School which premiered on Nickelodeon in 2015. Scott›s new animated series SuperNoobs! is slated to premiere on Cartoon Network in 2016.

CAITLIN FISHER Director, Augmented Reality Lab/Associate Professor, Cinema and Media Arts, York UniversityCaitlin Fisher directs the Augmented Reality Lab at York University where she held the Canada Research Chair in Digital Culture for the past decade. A 2013 Fulbright Chair, Fisher is the recipient of many international awards for digital storytelling including the International Electronic Literature Award for Fiction and the Vinaròs Prize for digital poetry. She serves on the international Board of Directors for the Electronic Literature Organization and is co-founder of Futurestories Press, publishing works in both augmented and virtual reality. She is currently engaged in a four year research project exploring new literary forms in AR using Meta Spaceglass.

ATHENA GEORGAKLIS Director of Content, TELETOONAthena Georgaklis is Director of Content for Teletoon and oversees content development, acquisitions and production for Teletoon’s English and French brands including Teletoon, Télétoon, Teletoon at Night, Télétoon la Nuit, and Cartoon Network, along with their respective multiplatform services. Having worked in all areas of TV production, Athena played a key role in the growth and success of such series as Rocket Monkeys, Johnny Test, the Total Drama franchise, Camp Lakebottom, and Fugget About It, to name a few.

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SARAH GLINSKITV Writer, ProducerSarah Glinski is an Emmy-nominated TV writer/producer who currently serves as Executive Producer and Showrunner on the upcoming Netflix/Family Channel series Degrassi: Next Class. During the seven seasons Sarah has worked on the Degrassi franchise, she has produced over 200 episodes. She has also written for Little Mosque on the Prairie, Life with Derek, and Billable Hours. Sarah has been nominated for WGC Screenwriting Awards, has won two Canadian Screenwriter Awards, and was named one of Hollywood Reporter’s Next Generation in 2013. Sarah is a graduate of the Canadian Film Centre’s Primetime Television Program and also holds a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University. When Sarah’s not brainstorming ways to get characters into trouble, she’s trying to keep her two young daughters out of it.

LAURENT GUÉRINChief Content Officer, Groupe Média TFOLaurent is in charge for programming, in-house productions, pre-purchases and acquisitions, and all digital platforms at Groupe Média TFO. With an MBA from the International University of America of San Francisco (California), Laurent Guérin is one of the pioneers of online video content. In the early 2000’s, Laurent took part in the creation of nouvo.com, a French web-TV platform. Laurent was also involved in launching several video on demand services including Neuf and SFR. Laurent was also a television producer before distinguishing himself as a multiplatform and social media content specialist with the trans-media program, Detective Avenue (2011), presented by the French telecommunications company, Orange.

MATT HUETHERTV Writer, ProducerMatt Huether is an Emmy-nominated TV writer/producer who currently serves as Executive Producer on the upcoming Netflix/Family Channel series Degrassi: Next Class. All told, he›s written for the acclaimed teen seriesDegrassi for 9 seasons. Born in small town Sarnia, Ontario, and raised by 80s & 90s television, Matt has also written for How to Be Indie, The LA Complex, and Hot Wheels Battle Force 5, has twice been nominated for WGC Screenwriting Awards, has won two Canadian Screen Awards, and was named one of Playback Magazine’s “Ten to Watch” in 2010. Matt is enthusiastic about television, politics, hip-hop, brunch, and people who are enthusiastic about anything. His ramblings on these topics and more can be found on Twitter under @_Matty_H_ .

ANDREW KAVANAGHCEO, Kavaleer ProductionsAndrew Kavanagh is CEO of Kavaleer Productions, creator and executive producer of Garth & Bev and Wildernuts and heads up the company’s development slate, which has recently been supported by the Creative Europe MEDIA fund. He has recently completed acting as executive producer on episodes 27-52 of Wildernuts, directing City of Roses and is currently directing the company’s latest preschool property Kiva Can Do!. Andrew launched Dougie Noir (52x11) at Cartoon Forum 2015, which is currently financing and slated for preproduction September 2016.

SHEENA MACRAEDirector, StorycakeSheena Macrae is the Director of Storycake, an agency making original children’s cross-platform brands. She is the Creator of the preschool comedy adventure called Olllie: The Boy Who Became What He Ate. The stories revolve around 5-year old Ollie who is the world’s pickiest eater. When Ollie finally does try his food, he gains food-fuelled superpowers and saves the day. The animated TV series is in production with Canadian broadcaster CBC. Alongside the TV, she has developed an Educational Toolkit and is part of the team bringing digital, publishing and licensing to life – and help kids make every meal an adventure. Sheena has a background as Producer/Owner of a factual, educational media agency and experience in post-production features, television and documentaries for major studios such as MGM, Disney, 20th Century Fox and BBC.

MARNEY MALABARDirector, Kids TV, TVOMarney Malabar is an award-winning kid’s media producer who has contributed to making TVOKids the “most trusted” and “most educational”media brand for children among Ontarians (Source: Vision Critical, 2014). A part of the TVO team for more than two decades, Marney has created excellent children’s educational content in an ever-evolving digital space, helping kids to be successful both inside and outside the classroom. In her role as Director, Kids TV, Marney is responsible for overseeing TVOKids’ internationally recognized original content, co-productions and acquisitions.

MARTIN MARKLESenior Director, Kids’ CBCAs the Senior Director of Kids’ CBC, Martin oversees development and production of children’s content for Canada’s public broadcaster. As an independent producer, Martin has produced animation for Comedy Central, and produced the original children’s series JiggiJump, which is currently broadcast on Kids’ CBC. Martin has previously served as Executive in Charge of Production for the Children’s and Youth Department at CBC Television. He managed a diverse slate of projects that included animation, action series, puppet shows and scripted comedy. Martin supervised the CBC show Dragon Booster, which won the Gemini Award for Best Animated Series. Martin created and produced 240 episodes of The X, a comedic pop culture show for tweens. He was also Executive Producer of the youth comedy series The Morgan Waters Show, which won the Gemini Award for Best Children’s or Youth Program or Series. Martin has held the position of Creative Producer of the TVO Kids block, and written scripts for the kids animated comedy Yam Roll and pre-school series Polka Dot Shorts.

JAMES MILWARDPresident and Executive Producer, Secret LocationJames Milward is the founder of the Emmy® and Cannes Lion Award-winning interactive agency, Secret Location, and a regular speaker on the merging worlds of digital advertising, interactive entertainment, and branded content. In just six short years, James has grown Secret Location into a bustling agency and team of Sixty full time and offices in Toronto and Los Angeles, with a stellar reputation as one of the top digital entertainment agencies in the world. Secret Location develops; not only brand and entertainment work, but also creates its own original technology IP, and content properties. James worked extensively in TV commercial production and documentary film, prior to defecting to the dark arts of interactive.

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LYNN OLDERSHAW, PH.D.Executive in Charge of Production, Kids’ CBC and Developmental PsychologistDr. Lynn Oldershaw has been exec’ing shows at Kids’ CBC for over 14 years, and brings a mix of child development expertise and production experience to the table to create high quality television shows for children that not only entertain, but also promote positive growth and development. Prior to coming to Kids’ CBC, Lynn held positions at the University of Western Ontario, CAMH’s Children Psychiatry Program, and Invest in Kids Foundation. Her research and clinical work has explored the social, emotional and intellectual development of young children. In an even earlier life, Lynn trained in New York as an actor, and was involved in various aspects of production, both on-camera and behind the scenes. Currently, at Kids’ CBC, Lynn is in the enviable position of being able to merge her two worlds – developmental psychology and the entertainment industry.

HOWY PARKINSDirector, The Walt Disney Company Annie Award-nominated animation director Howy Parkins serves as director of Disney’s highly anticipated animated television movie The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar and subsequent series The Lion Guard, which continue the epic storytelling of The Lion King. A 19 year Disney veteran, Parkins most recently was director of Disney Junior’s Emmy Award-winning series Jake and the Never Land Pirates and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. His additional credits include Recess, Dave the Barbarian, Lilo & Stitch: The Series and The Emperor’s New School. Originally from Bolton, Ontario, Parkins graduated from Sheridan College, where he studied classical animation and design.

JAMIE PIEKARZDirector of Content YTV, Treehouse, Nickelodeon Canada l Corus EntertainmentAs the Director of Content, Jamie Piekarz oversees all original Canadian and international co-productions (animation, live action scripted and non-scripted) from development to broadcast for several of the kid’s networks, ensuring that each show is poised for global success across all platforms. In her position she also consults on digital offerings for all original productions as well as oversees acquisitions, Some of her production executive credits include: Open Heart, Anne of Green Gables (M.O.W.), Japanizi Going, Going Gong, The Next Star, Max and Shred, Mr. Young, Some Assembly Required, Extreme Babysitting, My Big Big Friend, Max and Ruby, The Cat in the Hat Knows About That!, Toopy and Binoo and Dinopaws! among others. Piekarz is the president of the board for CORPUS dance company, and sits on the Board of Directors of the Youth Media Alliance. She also co-chairs the Juno Award’s “Best Children’s Album” steering committee, sits on the advisory board for TIFF Kids.

BLAIR POWERSPartner and Founder, Sinking Ship Entertainment Blair Powers heads up the Interactive Division of the company and oversees the financial, business and funding aspects of all Sinking Ship’s television and digital properties. In addition, Blair has produced award-winning interactive companion websites for many Sinking Ship series include Are We There Yet? World Adventure, This is Daniel Cook and Dino Dan’s hugely popular and award-nominated interactive suite of online and mobile games and AR apps. Blair began his career after graduating from the School of Radio and Television Arts at Ryerson University in 2002. He is a CMPA member and is currently on the Digital Governance Committee of the Canadian Screen Awards.

LISA PURDYDirector, Knowledge Kids and BBC KidsLisa is the Director of Knowledge Kids, part of British Columbia’s Knowledge Network, and the Director of BBC Kids, a national specialty channel. She is responsible for marketing, programming, affiliate relations and overall channel operations of BBC Kids and charged with growing the Knowledge Kids brand through strategy, marketing and new digital properties. Lisa was an Executive with CBC Television in both a creative and business capacity. Lisa also worked on the highly praised Cultural Olympiad, the public arts & culture component to the 2010 Olympic Games, overseeing five major digital projects for a ground-breaking program delivered to global audiences.

SIMON RACIOPPAScreenwriter, Executive ProducerSimon Racioppa is a Gemini award-winning screenwriter / executive producer writing, developing, and producing television and film for clients such as Disney, Warner Brothers, Discovery Channel, Nickelodeon, Dreamworks, Cartoon Network, Temple Street, The Jim Henson Company, IDW, The BBC, Passion Pictures, Skybound, and Nelvana – working in live action, features, and animation in Toronto and Los Angeles. Recently, he’s written for Cartoon Network’s Teen Titans, Disney’s My Babysitter’s a Vampire, story-edited Nickelodeon’s Mr. Meaty, developed and run Discovery Channel’s Grossology, Henson’s Dark Crystal: Age of Rebellion, Teletoon’s Spliced, and the upcoming FANGBONE - as well as developing and writing an original one-hour pilot for The Walking Dead’s Robert Kirkman.

ALEXANDRA RAFFÉVice President Production, Thunderbird FilmsAlex has been with Thunderbird films for over a decade, during which time she has produced over 100 hours of television. Over the last five years, Alex has wrapped production on 80 episodes of Dan Signer’s hit multi-cam sitcom, Mr. Young for YTV and Disney XD, and 57 episodes of its successor, Some Assembly Required, for YTV and Netflix. Also completed were two seasons of Andrew Orenstein’s Package Deal, a prime time multi-cam sitcom for Rogers Media and HULU, as well as the fan favorite series Endgame for Showcase. The Endgame interactive application Alex created with Secret Location won an International Digital Emmy in 2012. A longtime supporter of Canadian film and television, Alex served for four years as CEO of the Ontario Film Development Corporation (1994 to 1998), and has served on the Boards of Film Ontario and the National Screen Institute. Alex has been active on the National Board of the CMPA for several years, and is also on the Board of the Youth Media Alliance.

LIENNE SAWATSKYCreator, Producer, WriterCruiseship showgirl turned award-winning screenwriter, Lienne Sawatsky has written for Disney Channel, Cartoon Network, PBS, Sesame Workshop, Teletoon, Discovery, and YTV, amongst others. She has story-edited and consulted on series for Nick Jr. and Teletoon, and has just finished executive story-editing season one of ToonMarty (Teletoon/Sardine). She’s crafted gags for Leslie Neilson, and written live-action primetime for CBC, ABC Family, Family Channel and APTN. She likes to breakdance. She is the co-creator and producer of Wishfart, a comedy series about a rookie leprechaun currently in development with Teletoon.

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LINDA SCHUYLER, C.M., O.ONT, DLITTExecutive Producer, Epitome PicturesLinda Schuyler is best known for co-creating and executive producing the Degrassi franchise, which launched in 1980. The latest incarnation, Degrassi: Next Class, will bring the franchise past the 500 total episodes mark. Linda’s work has garnered the prestigious Peabody Award, two International Emmys, 22 Gemini Awards, two Prix Jeunesse Awards, two Teen Choice Awards, the Critics’ Choice Award and four Prime Time Emmy nominations. In addition to Degrassi, Linda produced Open Heart, The L.A. Complex, Instant Star, Liberty Street, Riverdale and the MOW X-Rated. Linda is a Member of both the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario and in 2015 received an honourary Doctor of Letters degree from Wilfrid Laurier University.

DAN SIGNERCreator, Producer, WriterDan Signer is the creator and executive producer of three hit live-action series for kids: A.N.T. Farm (Disney Channel), Mr. Young (YTV/DisneyXD), and most recently YTV’s top-rated sitcom, Some Assembly Required (YTV/Netflix), which he co-created with Howard Nemetz. Dan was born and raised in Toronto, where he attended Forest Hill Collegiate Institute and then graduated from University College at the University of Toronto. Shortly after graduation, Dan moved to Los Angeles, where he landed his first show business job on a reality special for FOX called When Good Pets Go Bad. It’s all been less glamorous since then.

RYAN ST. PETERSVice President, Kids & Family, ShaftesburyAs Vice President, Kids & Family, Ryan St. Peters leads all creative and commercial activities for Shaftesbury’s kids and family business, including creative development, production and distribution. The company’s award-winning programming slate for kids and families includes hit Kids’ CBC series The Moblees, Life with Derek, Vacation with Derek, Overruled!, Connor Undercover and Baxter, and digital series Totally Amp’d and Unlikely Heroes. Projects in development include live-action adventure series Super Duper Deelia from writer and creator Laura Vandervoort (Bitten, Smallville); and Space Bacon, a multi-cam sitcom with real-time animation from showrunners John May and Suzanne Bolch, about a pair of teenagers who work in a space-themed diner with three aliens.

DAN WILLIAMSCreator, Producer, WriterDan Williams is a childhood magician turned screenwriter. He’s written for Disney Channel, Cartoon Network, PBS, Sesame Workshop, Teletoon, Discovery, and YTV, amongst others. He’s consulted on series for Nick Jr and Teletoon, and has just finished executive story-editing season one of ToonMarty (Teletoon/Sardine). He’s written gags for Leslie Neilson and live-action primetime for CBC, ABC Family, and Family Channel. He’s officiated weddings. He’s won awards; one a WGC award for best animated series, another for Best Screenplay at Austin’s renowned FantasticFest. He is the co-creator and producer of Wishfart, a comedy series currently in development with Teletoon.

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EVENTUpcomingFRENCH-LANGUAGE AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE GALA

MAY 17, 2016 IN MONTREAL

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