Agenda

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Sunday, June 11

10:00am
1:00pm

New To The Festival Tour (1:00pm - 2:00pm)

CASCADE BALLROOM

Informal guided tours designed to help you make the most of BANFF. Our team members will be on-hand to guide you through the event features that'll help you meet your business goals. Drop in only. No sign-up required.


2:00pm

BANFF 101: Turn A Blind Date Pitch Meeting Into A Hot Love Story (2:00pm - 3:00pm)

In Partnership With

CASCADE BALLROOM

Should you bring a box of chocolates to woo a buyer? No... but you should know the flow; what moves to make and when to make them. Pitch experts, Mark and Jeanne Simon, co-founders of SellYourTvConceptNow.com, will reveal how to flirt... tease... and make bold advances to spark a True Romance deal in a pitch meeting.

  • How to start the pitch of your dreams
  • Pitch Do's and Titanic failures
  • The ONE question you must pop
  • When you need to shut the %$#@ up!

 

This is an interactive session! A few brave volunteers will get the chance to pitch their shows on stage to the Simons who will critique the pitches with tough but Big Love…and pitch it back to them.

Featuring:

Mark Simon

Director

Sell Your TV Concept Now Inc

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Jeanne Simon

Pitch Expert, Content Creator, Head Writer

Sell Your TV Concept Now Inc

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4:00pm

Media Leaders Series: Canadian Media Leaders (4:00pm - 5:00pm)

CASCADE BALLROOM

This year, our annual Canadian Media Leaders panel will feature a discussion on the future of production, development, and broadcast of screen-based content in Canada. With the onslaught of streaming opportunities commanding the attention of viewers’ eyeballs, broadcasters must explore all possible revenue streams to ensure they maintain viewership and financial success. What strategies will the employ and how can producers hope to succeed as models continually shift? This high-level conversation is your best opportunity to hear directly from the leaders of Canada’s content industry as they share their visions for the future.

Moderating:


David B Zitzerman

Partner

Goodmans LLP

divider

Featuring:

Rick Brace

President

Rogers Media

divider

John Brunton

Chair & Chief Executive Officer, Executive Producer

Insight Production Company Ltd.

divider

Sally Catto

General Manager, Entertainment, Factual and Sports

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

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Randy Lennox

Former Chair of the Board, BANFF Television Festival Foundation

Bell Media

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Barbara Williams

Executive Vice-President

Corus Entertainment

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5:00pm

Media Leaders Series: Studio Competition In The Peak TV Era (5:00pm - 6:00pm)

CASCADE BALLROOM

In the age of Peak TV, viewers have never had more choice when it comes to what content they are going to watch next, but what does that mean for the studios that are creating it? To stay competitive in this market, studios need to embrace their creativity in their production and financial strategies. Budgets are booming, traditional programming methods are evolving, and new players in original content like Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu are able to attract both creators and consumers in ways that linear broadcasters couldn’t have imagined a decade ago. These studio heads will opine on what they are doing to ensure their brand stays strong and how they are finding the best homes for their productions.

Moderating:


Libby Hill

Entertainment Reporter

Los Angeles Times

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Featuring:

Paul Buccieri

President & Chairman

A+E Networks

divider

Michael Edelstein

President, International Studios

NBC Universal

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Greg Lipstone

President

All3Media America

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John Morayniss

Chief Executive Officer

Entertainment One Television

divider

Ann Sarnoff

Chair & CEO Warnermedia Studios and Networks Group

BBC Worldwide North America

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6:00pm

CBC Radio - Canada Opening Reception (Please Join us in the Riverview Lounge 6:00PM - 8:00PM) (6:00pm - 8:00pm)

In Partnership With

CBC Radio Canada welcomes you to their opening reception! Meet new business partners and reunite with old friends and contacts from around the world over hors d'oeuvres. Enjoy hand-selected wines and locally-brewed beers at the annual Festival kick-off.

10:00pm

Monday, June 12

7:00am
8:00am

Face To Face Meeting Exchange (8:00am - 9:00am)

In Partnership With

ALHAMBRA ROOM

The renowned one-on-one Face to Face Meeting Exchange provides BANFF delegates with the opportunity to meet prospective partners or peers in the form of some of the world’s leading international development executives, producers, distributors, and agents. Specifically designed to be 10 minute exchanges, the program has enabled thousands of one-on-one meetings and has led to many millions of dollars in transactions. In an ecosystem that thrives on connections, great content, and expertise, connect with people, ideas, and events that are of professional interest and maximize efficiencies!

 

*Advanced sign-up is required. A total of ten (10) Face to Face Meeting Exchange spots can be reserved at sign-up time.

General sign up opened on Monday May 15th at 12:00pm ET, on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign-up closes on Friday June 9th at 5:00pm ET.

 

Once onsite: Participants who have successfully secured a Face to Face spot(s) will be required to check in at the session room for processing 15-20 minutes prior to the session’s start time. Showing up late may result in your spot being taken. 

 

For those who did not secure a spot in advance, or would like a chance to secure additional spots, some space may become available onsite due to no-shows. Delegates can arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes before the session’s start time and take advantage of the wait line; the room monitor will process the line on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Featuring:

Table host

Solange Attwood

CEO & Co-Founder

Blue Ant Media

divider
Table host

Erin Brock

Senior Vice President & Executive Producer

Insight Production Company Ltd.

divider
Table host

Sean Buckley

CEO

Buck Productions

divider
Table host

Vanessa Case

SVP Global Head of Unscripted Production, Vice Studios & Pulse Films

Blue Ant Media

divider
Table host

Sarah Fowlie

Head of Production, Original Programming

Bell Media

divider
Table host

Tilusha Ghelani

Commissioning Editor, Comedy

Sky

divider
Table host

Lisa Godfrey

SVP Original Content and Corus Studios

Corus Entertainment

divider
Table host

Robin Johnston

Director, Original Programming, Factual & Reality

Bell Media

divider
Table host

Ellen Lovejoy

SVP Global Content Sales Head of Americas + Formats

A+E Television Networks

divider
Table host

Michelle Melanson

President & Executive Producer

Radical Sheep Productions

divider
Table host

Marlo Miazga

President, Executive Producer, Unscripted

Bristow Global Media Inc.

divider
Table host

Tara Montgomery

Head Content Creator

OWN Oprah Winfrey Network

divider
Table host

Nataline Rodrigues

SVP of Development

Rogers Broadcasting Ltd

divider
Table host

Sarah Sharkey Pearce

Executive Producer Showrunner

Entertainment One Television

divider

Linda Simensky

Head of Animation & Scripted Content

PBS KIDS

divider
Table host

Stephanie Slack

Executive Vice President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions

MarVista Entertainment

divider
Table host

Michael Smith

SVP, Content Sales & Co-Productions

BBC Worldwide Canada Ltd

divider
Table host

Ryan St.Peters

Development Executive

Shaftesbury/Smokebomb

divider
Table host

Drew Worobow

VP Original Programming

IFC

divider
9:00am

Company Of Distinction Keynote: Channing Dungey, President, ABC Entertainment (9:00am - 10:00am)

In Partnership With

CASCADE BALLROOM

President of ABC Entertainment Channing Dungey will deliver the annual Company of Distinction keynote, on behalf of this year’s recipient Disney|ABC.

Moderating:


Lynette Rice

Editor at Large

Entertainment Weekly

divider

Featuring:

Channing Dungey

Chairman

ABC Entertainment

divider
10:00am

Keynote: The Honourable Mélanie Joly (10:00am - 11:00am)

In Partnership With

CASCADE BALLROOM

The Banff World Media Festival is proud to announce that The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, will join BANFF with a special keynote presentation. Following up on her popular keynote last year, Minister Joly will discuss how digital technology is transforming our world, and explore the role of government in supporting innovation and creativity to create new opportunities to bring the best of Canada to the world.

Moderating:


Jean La Rose

General Manager

Aboriginal Peoples Television Network APTN

divider

Featuring:

The Honourable Mélanie Joly

Minister of Canadian Heritage

Canadian Heritage

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Digital Innovators In The Content Industry (10:00am - 11:00am)

In Partnership With

NEW BRUNSWICK ROOM

The latest developments in new technologies are unlocking brilliant new levels to storytelling and re-shaping the way that content gets made. Our panelists will chat about how technology goes hand in hand with art and how these innovative technological creations are trailblazing creative projects from the ground up. New technological advances inspire creative people to reach further creating immersive stories. From the latest tech inventions to specific data analysis, our panelists will speak to how to inspire audiences, and how to keep them. Find out the challenges and successes that come with leading content creators into the future.

Moderating:


Todd VanDerWerff

Critic at Large

Vox Media

divider

Featuring:

Alan Dark

SVP Revenue

Rogers Media

divider

Ziba Kaboli-Gerbrands

Director, Content Acquisition

Roku

divider

Richard Kanee

Executive Director, Digital Strategy

CBC

divider

Michel Pratte

President, Boat Rocker Media and General Manager, Boat Rocker Studios

Boat Rocker Media

divider
11:00am

Networking Break (11:00am - 11:30am)

Take this opportunity to network with your fellow delegates over refreshments and refocus for another great slate of BANFF programming.

Toast to China Reception and Signing Ceremony (11:00am - 11:30am)

NEW BRUNSWICK ROOM

Join us as AMPIA and China’s Guangdong Delegation sign their MOU and celebrate with a Toast to China.

Roundtable: The Next Generation of Content Distribution (11:00am - 12:00pm)

In Partnership With

IVOR PETRAK ROOM

Canadians have a long-standing love affair with all things mobile. As Canada boasts some of the fastest and most reliable networks in the world, consumers have gotten used to enjoying content on all their screens.

The telecommunications sector is preparing to implement 5G, the next generation of wireless networks, which among many other technology enhancements will allow consumers to download high definition feature films in a few seconds.

This roundtable will discuss the public policy measures best suited to support 5G infrastructure and nurture the growth of 5G technology’s adoption.

Featuring:

Robert Ghiz

President and CEO

Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association

divider

Chris Jones

Director of Regulatory Affairs, Policy and Research

Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association

divider
11:30am

International Scripted Buyers (11:30am - 12:30pm)

In Partnership With

CASCADE BALLROOM

BANFF's Buyers Series is an in-depth examination of what major international content buyers are looking for to fill their programming blocks in the coming year. Our scripted deep-dive will feature leading comedy and drama commissioners from broadcast networks, cable channels, and digital platforms will share the different strategies they utilize when taking pitches for new programming. You'll find out exactly what types of shows buyers are seeking out, what trends have been overdone, and how to find the right home for your content.

Moderating:


Adam Benzine

Canadian Bureau Chief

C21 Media

divider

Featuring:

Sharon Bordas

VP, Scripted Development

Lifetime

divider

Chika Chukudebelu Igwilo

enior Vice President, Development

BET Networks

divider

Kristen Del Pero

VP, Scripted Programming

NBCUniversal

divider

Tilusha Ghelani

Commissioning Editor, Comedy

Sky

divider

Drew Worobow

VP Original Programming

IFC

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From A Best-Seller To A SVOD Success Ready To Conquer The World (11:30am - 12:30pm)

In Partnership With

NEW BRUNSWICK ROOM

A special conversation about the partnership and ingredients behind the success story of the drama series Victor. Based on the best-selling book franchise Victor Lessard, the psycho-thriller released on Club illico in March garnered more than 1 million viewings in 2 weeks and earned unanimous critical acclaim. The partners will tell you the secrets behind this innovative creative process, and their approach to bring this series to the international audiences.

Moderating:


France Lauziere

President & CEO

Quebecor Content

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Featuring:

Nicola Merola

President & Executive Producer

Pixcom Productions Inc.

divider

Martin Michaud

Author and screenwriter

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Yann Paquet

Vice President, Strategy & International Business

Quebecor Content

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Patrice Sauvé

Director

divider

Ginette Viens

Vice President, Brand Management and Content

Quebecor Contenu (Groupe TVA)

divider

Creative Unscripted: The Golden Era Of Prestige Factual Content (11:30am - 12:30pm)

ALBERTA ROOM

Between Making a Murderer, The Jinx, and Planet Earth our industry is seeing a boom in beautifully produced, long-form, engaging storytelling in the factual realm. Due to increased budgets, advances in technology, and growing audience curiosity, unscripted content is gaining traction on the critical and mass appeal of traditional drama and comedy programming. Learn from producers and broadcasters of leading non-fiction content as they discuss the current appetite for prestige factual programming, where this genre is going in the coming year, and how you could find great success with your productions.

Moderating:


Bill Brioux

TV Columnist

The Canadian Press

divider

Featuring:

Vanessa Case

SVP Global Head of Unscripted Production, Vice Studios & Pulse Films

Blue Ant Media

divider

Jonathan Sinclair

EVP, Programing & Development

OWN Oprah Winfrey Network

divider

Igal Svet

Founder, Night Owl Pictures

National Geographic Channels

divider
12:30pm

Networking Break (12:30pm - 1:30pm)

Take this opportunity to network with your fellow delegates over refreshments and refocus for another great slate of BANFF programming.

*The Rundle Lounge food menu will be available in the Bell Lounge throughout the Festival*

Roundtable: Monetizing Content In The Digital Economy (12:30pm - 1:30pm)

In Partnership With

IVOR PETRAK ROOM

Content is King…if it can be monetized. New technological developments and delivery platforms have disrupted the traditional value chain for content creation which has now challenged creators’ ability to protect and monetize program rights both territorially and globally. Leaky geo-gates and the increased presence of pirated content sites that have driven consumers’ appetite for “free” content have made it increasingly difficult for the creative sector to recoup their content investments and build the strong well capitalized businesses that are needed to compete on a global scale. This panel will take stock of the latest trends in online piracy and distribution and discuss the implications for the both the Canadian and global media sector of having to compete with “free.”

  • What is driving consumers to pirated sites? Lack of access or the price point?
  • Are the current legislative tools available in Canada sufficient for stemming piracy? (e.g. notice and notice; the right of civil action) Would enhanced tools lead to better outcomes in going after online pirates? (e.g. site blocking; impugning unlawful streaming; or expanding criminal prohibitions)
  • What have other jurisdictions done by way of legislation on piracy that Canada can consider?
  • What are the long-term implications for the Canadian content sector of failing to address piracy and illegal access to content? Will less content get made or just less quality content?
  • What are distributors doing to compete with pirate sites?

Moderating:


Jonathan Taplin

Director Emeritus

USC Annenberg Center For Digital Future

divider

Featuring:

Damon Berger

EVP, Business Development and Operations

Fullscreen Media

divider

Erin Finlay

Partner

Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA)

divider

Rohit Puri

Associate Partner

ERNST & YOUNG LLP

divider

Face To Face Meeting Exchange (12:30pm - 1:30pm)

In Partnership With

ALHAMBRA ROOM

The renowned one-on-one Face to Face Meeting Exchange provides BANFF delegates with the opportunity to meet prospective partners or peers in the form of some of the world’s leading international development executives, producers, distributors, and agents. Specifically designed to be 10 minute exchanges, the program has enabled thousands of one-on-one meetings and has led to many millions of dollars in transactions. In an ecosystem that thrives on connections, great content, and expertise, connect with people, ideas, and events that are of professional interest and maximize efficiencies!

 

*Advanced sign-up is required. A total of ten (10) Face to Face Meeting Exchange spots can be reserved at sign-up time.

General sign up opened on Monday May 15th at 12:00pm ET, on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign-up closes on Friday June 9th at 5:00pm ET.

 

Once onsite: Participants who have successfully secured a Face to Face spot(s) will be required to check in at the session room for processing 15-20 minutes prior to the session’s start time. Showing up late may result in your spot being taken. 

 

For those who did not secure a spot in advance, or would like a chance to secure additional spots, some space may become available onsite due to no-shows. Delegates can arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes before the session’s start time and take advantage of the wait line; the room monitor will process the line on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Featuring:

Table host

Nicolas Atlan

President of Gaumont

Gaumont Television

divider
Table host

Chika Chukudebelu Igwilo

enior Vice President, Development

BET Networks

divider
Table host

Jessalyn Dennis

Vice President, Scripted

SEVEN24 Films

divider
Table host

Natalie Dumoulin

VP of Creative Affairs

9 Story Media Group

divider
Table host

Tom Hastings

Head of Original Programming in Canada, Paramount+

Bell Media

divider
Table host

Bob Leighton

SVP, Programming

Liberty Global, Inc.

divider
Table host

Sarah McCormack

EVP, Acquisitions & Co-Productions

Beyond Distribution

divider
Table host

Patrick McGuire

Head of Content

VICE Canada

divider
Table host

Andrew Morris

President & Executive Producer

Accessible Media Inc.

divider
Table host

Sydni Naglie

Unscripted Acquisitions, North America

eOne Television International

divider
Table host

David Ozer

Independant Producer

IDW Entertainment

divider
Table host

Peter Putka

Executive in Charge of Production

Some Spider Studios

divider
Table host

Nataline Rodrigues

SVP of Development

Rogers Broadcasting Ltd

divider
Table host

Frank Saperstein

Writer & Executive Producer

Surprise Bag Inc

divider
Table host

Jessica Schmiedchen

Director of Development, Unscripted Content

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

divider
Table host

Joseph Schneier

SVP, Production & Development, Discovery Channel

Discovery Channel

divider
Table host

Stephanie Slack

Executive Vice President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions

MarVista Entertainment

divider
Table host

Justin Stockman

VP Content Development and Programming

Bell Media

divider

Rockie Awards Program Competition Ceremony (12:30pm - 2:00pm)

VAN HORNE BALLROOM

In the first of two Rockie Awards shows, the winners of the celebrated Rockie Awards Program Competition are announced. The Rockie Awards is  BANFF’s flagship program celebrating excellence in television and digital content from around the world. Hundreds of television and digital programs compete for a coveted Rockie Award, presented at this ceremony each year at BANFF. With participation from more than 40 countries annually, including an industry jury of more than 130 professionals working in entertainment and media around the world, the Rockie Awards is one of the world’s largest program competitions of its kind.

Please note the venue change - The Rockie Awards shows - both Gala and Program Competition, will be taking place in the Van Horne ballroom this year. It is located on the conference side of the hotel.

Featuring:

Host

Danielle Graham

Anchor, etalk

Bell Media

divider
1:30pm

Partner Presentation: YouTube (1:30pm - 2:30pm)

In Partnership With

NEW BRUNSWICK ROOM

People around the world are now watching a billion hours of YouTube content every single day. How can content creators engage with this growing global audience? Join as we chat with companies that have been successful on traditional platforms and now are extending their reach and growing their businesses on YouTube. We'll discuss why and how they got started on YouTube, what's working, and what they've learned along the way.

Moderating:


Lindsay Lynch

Strategic Partner Manager

Google

divider

Featuring:

Steve Maich

Senior Vice President, Digital Content and Publishing

Rogers Media

divider

Kit Redmond

Executive Chair

RTR Media Inc

divider

International Unscripted Buyers (1:30pm - 2:30pm)

In Partnership With

ALBERTA ROOM

BANFF's Buyers Series is an in-depth examination of what major international content buyers are looking for to fill their programming blocks in the coming year. Leading factual commissioners from broadcast networks, cable channels, and digital platforms will share the different strategies they utilize when taking pitches for new programming. You'll find out exactly what types of shows buyers are seeking out, what trends have been overdone, and how to find the right home for your content.

Moderating:


Adam Steinman

Production and Development

Warner Bros. International Television Production

divider

Featuring:

Jennifer Dettman

Executive Director, Unscripted Content

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

divider

Lisa Godfrey

SVP Original Content and Corus Studios

Corus Entertainment

divider

Joseph Schneier

SVP, Production & Development, Discovery Channel

Discovery Channel

divider
2:00pm

No Laughing Matter: The Current State Of Comedy & Satire (2:00pm - 3:00pm)

CASCADE BALLROOM

From the beginning of the 2016 U.S. presidential race to the day-to-day actions of the current administration, we’ve been living in a time of great uncertainty. However, the one thing that we could be consistently sure of has been the outstanding efforts of comedy’s most talented creators. Whether it be through satirical news coverage, late night talk shows, or hilarious viral videos, the comedy industry has stepped up to create some of its best work when viewers need it the most. But beyond pure entertainment, what is their responsibility -- if any -- to the general public to do more than generate laughter? The Onion’s CEO, Mike McAvoy, will share his thoughts on the role comedy plays in the national discourse and how he sees that role evolving moving forward.

Moderating:


Bill Carter

Media Analyst

CNN

divider

Featuring:

Mike McAvoy

CEO and President

The Onion

divider
2:30pm

The Shifting State Of Kids TV (2:30pm - 3:30pm)

In Partnership With

NEW BRUNSWICK ROOM

The fact that the appetite for entertaining content appears to be bottomless may be the only consistent factor driving the children’s TV industry right now. Everything else, from distribution outlets to merchandising opportunities, is sitting on shifting sands. This panel of seasoned industry execs will look specifically at the changing nature of kids media consumption habits, broadcast/distribution paths, co-production models and auxiliary commercialization to present a clear picture of the biz and where it’s headed.

Moderating:


Lana Castleman

Director, Marketing & Communications

Kidscreen

divider

Featuring:

Nicolas Atlan

President of Gaumont

Gaumont Television

divider

Jennifer Dodge

President Entertainment

Spin Master

divider

Joan Lambur

President

Breakthrough Entertainment

divider

Linda Simensky

Head of Animation & Scripted Content

PBS KIDS

divider

Carving Out Your Place: How To Succeed Amongst The OTT Giants (2:30pm - 3:30pm)

In Partnership With

ALBERTA ROOM

In a world full of OTT juggernauts, how do OTTs outside of Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video successfully cut through and stand their ground? In the thick of the digital revolution, all OTT platforms face the risk of consumer choice oversaturation amongst other issues. Hear our panelists speak to what keeps them not only surviving but inspiring. Find out how they curate their premier libraries, what catches their eye content-wise, and how they continue to profit through their unequivocally independent business trajectories.

Moderating:


Todd VanDerWerff

Critic at Large

Vox Media

divider

Featuring:

Mike Cosentino

President

Bell Media

divider

Brad Danks

CEO

OUTtv Network Inc

divider

Roma Kojima

Senior Director, OTT Video

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

divider

Steve Woolf

Head of Programming, OTT Video

go90

divider
3:00pm

Roundtable: Making A Place For Canada In The Global Media Market: International Comparisons (3:00pm - 4:00pm)

In Partnership With

IVOR PETRAK ROOM

Canadian content has flourished over the last 30 years thanks in large part to the Government’s cultural policy objectives that were achieved through a labyrinth of regulations and quotas. Technology has quickly made this successful model obsolete leaving many Canadian creators and cultural entrepreneurs wondering how they will be able to find an audience in an increasingly crowded content market dominated by US-based multi-national conglomerates. Europe is facing similar challenges in that traditional players have long been the sole source of support for domestic content yet more and more audiences are migrating to large digital players like Netflix and YouTube. Data from Europe suggests that Netflix now accounts for nearly half of subscription video on demand services.  In response to this trend, the EU is moving vigorously to support domestic content markets and to require OTT services to meet domestic policy objectives. Join international delegates and experts to discuss whether similar policy tools make sense for Canada and will help promote Canadian cultural product worldwide.

  • Identify and assess the effectiveness of policy measures designed to protect domestic cultural services and products from Europe.
  • Is there a “right balance” of national and "foreign" imported cultural products available for domestic consumption in a given country? If so, what does that look like?
  • Are there elements of the EU approach that may make sense for Canada?

Moderating:


Bill Brioux

TV Columnist

The Canadian Press

divider

Featuring:

Dave Forget

National Executive Director

Directors Guild of Canada

divider

Vanessa Steinmetz

President/Executive Producer

Entertainment One Television

divider
3:30pm

Networking Break (3:30pm - 4:00pm)

 Take this opportunity to network with your fellow delegates over refreshments and refocus for another great slate of BANFF programming.


Face To Face Meeting Exchange (3:30pm - 4:30pm)

In Partnership With

ALHAMBRA ROOM

The renowned one-on-one Face to Face Meeting Exchange provides BANFF delegates with the opportunity to meet prospective partners or peers in the form of some of the world’s leading international development executives, producers, distributors, and agents. Specifically designed to be 10 minute exchanges, the program has enabled thousands of one-on-one meetings and has led to many millions of dollars in transactions. In an ecosystem that thrives on connections, great content, and expertise, connect with people, ideas, and events that are of professional interest and maximize efficiencies!

 

*Advanced sign-up is required. A total of ten (10) Face to Face Meeting Exchange spots can be reserved at sign-up time.

General sign up opened on Monday May 15th at 12:00pm ET, on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign-up closes on Friday June 9th at 5:00pm ET.

 

Once onsite: Participants who have successfully secured a Face to Face spot(s) will be required to check in at the session room for processing 15-20 minutes prior to the session’s start time. Showing up late may result in your spot being taken. 

 

For those who did not secure a spot in advance, or would like a chance to secure additional spots, some space may become available onsite due to no-shows. Delegates can arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes before the session’s start time and take advantage of the wait line; the room monitor will process the line on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Featuring:

Table host

Philip Barnsdall-Thompson

SVP Acquisitions, UK, Europe & North America - FACTUAL ONLY

Flame Distribution

divider
Table host

Damon Berger

EVP, Business Development and Operations

Fullscreen Media

divider
Table host

Melissa Campbell

President

Kaplan Stahler Agency

divider
Table host

Nicky Forsman

Head of Development

OUTtv Network Inc

divider
Table host

Larry Grimaldi

SVP, Development & Production

MarVista Entertainment

divider
Table host

Fred Grinstein

Producer

Pulse Films

divider
Table host

Jennifer Hollyer

Agent

The Jennifer Hollyer Agency

divider
Table host

Andrew Kelly

Vice President, Scripted Development

Entertainment One Television

divider
Table host

Anthony Kimble

CEO

Cineflix Rights

divider
Table host

Joan Lambur

President

Breakthrough Entertainment

divider
Table host

Andreas Lemos

Director, International Content

Banijay Rights

divider
Table host

Krista Look

VP, Original Lifestyle Content

Corus Entertainment

divider
Table host

Ilana Miller

Literary Agent, Co-owner

The Jennifer Hollyer Agency

divider
Table host

David Ozer

Independant Producer

IDW Entertainment

divider
Table host

Jane Rimer

Senior Vice President, Canada

Insight Production Company Ltd.

divider
Table host

Rebecca Segal

SVP

Sky Networks

divider
Table host

Adam Steinman

Production and Development

Warner Bros. International Television Production

divider
Table host

Justin Stockman

VP Content Development and Programming

Bell Media

divider
Table host

Cheryl Taylor

BBC's Children's Head of Content

BBC Children's

divider
Table host

Ian Whitehead

Vice-President, English Scripted Content

Incendo

divider
4:00pm

Company Of Distinction Keynote: Gary Marsh, President and Chief Creative Officer, Disney Channels Worldwide (4:00pm - 5:00pm)

In Partnership With

CASCADE BALLROOM

Don’t miss this exclusive keynote presentation by Disney Channels Worldwide President and Chief Creative Officer, Gary Marsh.

Featuring:

Gary Marsh

President

Disney Channel Worldwide

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Terri Minsky

Creator & Executive Producer, Andi Mack

Disney

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Partner Presentation: CMF Key Trends Report Presentation (4:00pm - 4:30pm)

In Partnership With

NEW BRUNSWICK ROOM

The major technological innovations and new digital strategies that have marked the last few years have led to significant. Changes in the audiovisual industry around the world. In fact, they have redefined infrastructures, uses, relationships with the audience, business models, and the competitive environment. While most of the big names in the industry have adapted to the new digital ecology, some fundamental questions remain. How has the new audiovisual value chain been reconfigured? Which players are best positioned to make the most of it? These questions served as the framework for the 2017 edition of the Trends Report in which the Canada Media Fund examines the value creation opportunities that have emerged from this major industrial reorganization. The digital environment has become a virtual battleground, where competitors battle each other to seize the best opportunities and to position themselves in the evolving value curve.

Featuring:

Catalina Briceno

Professor

Canada Media Fund

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4:30pm

Move Fast And Break Things With Jonathan Taplin (4:30pm - 5:00pm)

In Partnership With

NEW BRUNSWICK ROOM

Move Fast and Break Things tells the story of how a small group of libertarian entrepreneurs began in the 1990s to hijack the original decentralized vision of the Internet, in the process creating a set of monopoly firms—Facebook, Amazon, and Google—that now determine the future of the music, film, television, publishing and news industries. Jonathan Taplin will speak directly to creators as he outlines the best strategies to navigate the entertainment space and maximize their profitability & ownership.

Featuring:

Jonathan Taplin

Director Emeritus

USC Annenberg Center For Digital Future

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Tuesday, June 13

7:00am
8:00am

CMF Breakfast With CRTC Chair JP Blais (8:00am - 9:00am)

In Partnership With

ALBERTA ROOM

Broadband Internet is transforming our world: It not only empowers citizens and improves their quality of life, broadband also enables the free movement of ideas and content. Yet many policy makers and creators in Canada and abroad are still focused on the traditional divisions between telecommunications and broadcasting. Join Jean-Pierre Blais as he discusses the need to reject the status quo and embrace the Internet’s disruptive nature. Mr. Blais will also share his thoughts on future developments that he foresees because of broadband’s pervasive nature.

Featuring:

Jean-Pierre Blais

Chairperson & CEO

Canadian Radio - television & Telecommunications Commissions

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Face To Face Meeting Exchange (8:00am - 9:00am)

In Partnership With

ALHAMBRA ROOM

The renowned one-on-one Face to Face Meeting Exchange provides BANFF delegates with the opportunity to meet prospective partners or peers in the form of some of the world’s leading international development executives, producers, distributors, and agents. Specifically designed to be 10 minute exchanges, the program has enabled thousands of one-on-one meetings and has led to many millions of dollars in transactions. In an ecosystem that thrives on connections, great content, and expertise, connect with people, ideas, and events that are of professional interest and maximize efficiencies!

 

*Advanced sign-up is required. A total of ten (10) Face to Face Meeting Exchange spots can be reserved at sign-up time.

General sign up opened on Monday May 15th at 12:00pm ET, on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign-up closes on Friday June 9th at 5:00pm ET.

 

Once onsite: Participants who have successfully secured a Face to Face spot(s) will be required to check in at the session room for processing 15-20 minutes prior to the session’s start time. Showing up late may result in your spot being taken. 

 

For those who did not secure a spot in advance, or would like a chance to secure additional spots, some space may become available onsite due to no-shows. Delegates can arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes before the session’s start time and take advantage of the wait line; the room monitor will process the line on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Featuring:

Table host

Mike Abend

Director of Business Development

New Form

divider
Table host

Mary Bredin

Creative Development Producer

Guru Studio

divider
Table host

Sean Buckley

CEO

Buck Productions

divider
Table host

Vanessa Case

SVP Global Head of Unscripted Production, Vice Studios & Pulse Films

Blue Ant Media

divider
Table host

Michelle Daly

Senior Director, Comedy

CBC, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

divider
Table host

Jeffrey Engelen

Head of Beta Film North America Office

Midfield Entertainment

divider
Table host

Fred Grinstein

Producer

Pulse Films

divider
Table host

Chantal Jackson

Executive Producer

VICE Canada

divider
Table host

Ellen Lovejoy

SVP Global Content Sales Head of Americas + Formats

A+E Television Networks

divider
Table host

Matt Loze

Head of Scripted Entertainment, BBC Worldwide Productions

BBC Worldwide Entertainment

divider
Table host

Marlo Miazga

President, Executive Producer, Unscripted

Bristow Global Media Inc.

divider
Table host

Tara Montgomery

Head Content Creator

OWN Oprah Winfrey Network

divider
Table host

Sarah Sharkey Pearce

Executive Producer Showrunner

Entertainment One Television

divider
Table host

Larry Shuman

President/Literary Manager

The Shuman Company

divider
Table host

Linda Simensky

Head of Animation & Scripted Content

PBS KIDS

divider
Table host

Jonathan Sinclair

EVP, Programing & Development

OWN Oprah Winfrey Network

divider
Table host

Michael Smith

SVP, Content Sales & Co-Productions

BBC Worldwide Canada Ltd

divider
Table host

Drew Worobow

VP Original Programming

IFC

divider
9:00am

Company of Distinction Keynote: Patrick Moran, President, ABC Studios, Featuring John Ridley & Regina King (9:00am - 10:00am)

In Partnership With

CASCADE BALLROOM

ABC Studios President Patrick Moran is joined by BANFF’s 2017 Showrunner of the Year Oscar-winning writer/director John Ridley and multiple award-winning actress Regina King for a broad ranging discussion on the development process from idea to inception.

Moderating:


Nne Ebong

Creative Lead

ABC Studios

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Featuring:

Regina King

Actor

Disney, ABC

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Patrick Moran

President

ABC Studios

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John Ridley

Writer / Director/Executive Producer, American Crime, Guerrilla, Let It Fall and Oscar Winner for 12 Years a Slave

ABC Studios

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VR Content - Innovations And Strategies (9:00am - 10:00am)

In Partnership With

NEW BRUNSWICK ROOM

Follow the VR industry’s heavy hitters as they discuss how to make sustainable revenue through virtual reality based content creation. Our panelists will discuss the latest developments in VR as well as the viability of this ever-growing technology. On this immersive content panel we will delve into the business of profitability and audience attraction strategies, hearing from both creators AND platforms.

Moderating:


Bill Brioux

TV Columnist

The Canadian Press

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Featuring:

James Milward

Executive Producer & Founder

Secret Location

divider

Ollie Rankin

Vice President of VR Production

Uncorporeal Systems

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10:00am

Master Class: Canadian Award Of Distinction Recipient Bruce Hills, COO, Just For Laughs (10:00am - 11:00am)

In Partnership With

CASCADE BALLROOM

This year’s Canadian Award of Distinction recipient is Just For Laughs. Join COO Bruce Hills in a feature conversation as we help them celebrate their 35th anniversary!

Moderating:


Tim Goodman

Chief TV Critic

The Hollywood Reporter

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Featuring:

Bruce Hills

President

Just For Laughs

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Kids Buyers Panel - Focus On Preschool (10:00am - 10:30am)

NEW BRUNSWICK ROOM

Get a read on current buying trends for preschool content from some of the biggest names in the business. What are they looking for? What have they seen enough of? What do their wish lists look like? Find out all of this and more at our can’t-miss session for anyone working in the preschool space.

Moderating:


Jennifer Dodge

President Entertainment

Spin Master

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Featuring:

Marie McCann

Senior Director, Children's Content

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

divider

Linda Simensky

Head of Animation & Scripted Content

PBS KIDS

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Media Leaders Series: Building Partnerships For A Global Audience (10:00am - 11:00am)

In Partnership With

ALBERTA ROOM

The world is shrinking with each passing day, opening up endless possibilities for content creators looking to bring their programming to new audiences worldwide. The tremendous amount of options viewers have has made them more sophisticated in what they are interested in watching, no longer content to simply watch whatever is put in front of them in traditional programming blocks. They search through the cable channels, networks, streaming services, and new platforms to find the next great show regardless of the language or territory of origin. This can be a challenge for producers, but also a major opportunity to build new partnerships and international co-production & co-financing models to create content that will hit in many different territories. The audience is increasingly global-minded so it is imperative that producers develop the same mindset and work together to transcend borders with worldly projects.

Moderating:


Lloyd Segan

Executive Producer

Piller/Segan

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Featuring:

Lorenzo De Maio

Principal-De Maio Entertainment

WME

divider

Bob Leighton

SVP, Programming

Liberty Global, Inc.

divider

Jeff Lynas

Chief Operating Officer

Entertainment One Television

divider

Edward Sabin

Executive MD of International

A+E Networks

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10:30am

Kids Buyers Panel - Focus On 6-11s (10:30am - 11:00am)

NEW BRUNSWICK ROOM

This panel of seasoned acquisitions execs from some of the world’s most active kids platforms will give a lowdown on the current state of content targeting the six to 11 set. You’ll find out what’s resonating and what’s not, and more importantly, what’s next for this all-important demo.

Moderating:


Agnes Augustin

President & CEO

Shaw Rocket Fund

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Featuring:

Cheryl Taylor

BBC's Children's Head of Content

BBC Children's

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Melissa Wolfe

Head, Animation Development

Amazon Studios

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11:00am

Networking Break (11:00am - 11:30am)

Take this opportunity to network with your fellow delegates over refreshments and refocus for another great slate of BANFF programming.

11:30am

Master Class: Descendants 2 (11:30am - 12:30pm)

NEW BRUNSWICK ROOM

The cast, producers, and directors of Descendants 2 will share behind the scenes insight about the upcoming sequel to the original hit and tease our audience with a sneak peek of the new release.

Moderating:


Lynette Rice

Editor at Large

Entertainment Weekly

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Featuring:

Cameron Boyce

Actor,

Disney Channel World Wide

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Brenna D'Amico

Actor,

Disney Channel

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Dianne Doan

Actor

Disney Channel

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Wendy Japhet

Executive Producer, Descendants and Descendants 2

Disney ABC Television Group

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Josann McGibbon

Writer and Executive Producer, Descendants and Descendants 2

Disney Channel

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Kenny Ortega

Director, Execuitve Producer and Choreographer

Disney Channel

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Sara Parriott

Writer and Executive Producer, Descendants and Descendants 2

Disney Channel

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Booboo Stewart

Actor,

Disney Channel

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Master Class: The Revitalization Canadian Comedy Featuring Workin’ Moms, Letterkenny, And More! (11:30am - 12:30pm)

In Partnership With

ALBERTA ROOM

Canadians are a unique bunch. We’re internationally known as polite, kind, open-minded, and fair. But beyond that, it could be argued that what we are most famous for is our sense of humour. Many of the most successful faces in the world of comedy are Canadian: Jim Carrey, Lorne Michaels, Catherine O’Hara, Mike Myers, Martin Short, Seth Rogen, John Candy, and the list goes on. Canadian broadcasters are dedicating more support than ever before to up-and-coming talent looking to create the next great comedy hit. There are opportunities abound for those looking to break into the Canadian comedy scene and these experts will share their strategies for success and why right now is the best time to be a Canadian comedy creator.

Moderating:


Bill Brioux

TV Columnist

The Canadian Press

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Featuring:

Michelle Daly

Senior Director, Comedy

CBC, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

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Sarah Fowlie

Head of Production, Original Programming

Bell Media

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Mark Montefiore

Founder & CEO

New Metric Media

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Catherine Reitman

Creator, Executive Producer, Writer, Director

Wolf + Rabbit Entertainment

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12:30pm

Networking Break (12:30pm - 1:30pm)

Take this opportunity to network with your fellow delegates over refreshments and refocus for another great slate of BANFF programming.

*The Rundle Lounge food menu will be available in the Bell Lounge throughout the Festival*

Roundtable: Forward From Here: Indigenous Creators, Stories, And Partnerships (12:30pm - 1:30pm)

In Partnership With

IVOR PETRAK ROOM

The recent controversy about cultural appropriation is only the latest flashpoint in a long-standing issue.  Can it be used as a catalyst to create constructive change?  Indigenous stories are finding audiences in Canada and around the world.  How can we work together to engage audiences with these stories while also respectfully engaging their source?  Australia’s ‘Pathways and Protocols’ is one model that resulted in Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners creating some of the biggest hits in the history of Australian television.  Can it work here, and what would that look like?

Moderating:


Tina Keeper

Producer

Kistikan Pictures

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Featuring:

Kyle Irving

Co-Owner and Executive Producer

Eagle Vision Inc

divider

Michelle Latimer

Executive Producer, Director, Trickster

Streel Films

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Face To Face Meeting Exchange (12:30pm - 1:30pm)

In Partnership With

ALHAMBRA ROOM

The renowned one-on-one Face to Face Meeting Exchange provides BANFF delegates with the opportunity to meet prospective partners or peers in the form of some of the world’s leading international development executives, producers, distributors, and agents. Specifically designed to be 10 minute exchanges, the program has enabled thousands of one-on-one meetings and has led to many millions of dollars in transactions. In an ecosystem that thrives on connections, great content, and expertise, connect with people, ideas, and events that are of professional interest and maximize efficiencies!

 

*Advanced sign-up is required. A total of ten (10) Face to Face Meeting Exchange spots can be reserved at sign-up time.

General sign up opened on Monday May 15th at 12:00pm ET, on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign-up closes on Friday June 9th at 5:00pm ET.

 

Once onsite: Participants who have successfully secured a Face to Face spot(s) will be required to check in at the session room for processing 15-20 minutes prior to the session’s start time. Showing up late may result in your spot being taken. 

 

For those who did not secure a spot in advance, or would like a chance to secure additional spots, some space may become available onsite due to no-shows. Delegates can arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes before the session’s start time and take advantage of the wait line; the room monitor will process the line on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Featuring:

Table host

Nicolas Atlan

President of Gaumont

Gaumont Television

divider
Table host

Melissa Campbell

President

Kaplan Stahler Agency

divider
Table host

Wissam Chahine

Producer/Director, Head of Production

Orbit Productions, Orbit TV network

divider
Table host

Jessalyn Dennis

Vice President, Scripted

SEVEN24 Films

divider
Table host

Jeffrey Engelen

Head of Beta Film North America Office

Midfield Entertainment

divider
Table host

Tilusha Ghelani

Commissioning Editor, Comedy

Sky

divider
Table host

james glasscock

svp

Machinima

divider
Table host

Tom Hastings

Head of Original Programming in Canada, Paramount+

Bell Media

divider
Table host

Chantal Jackson

Executive Producer

VICE Canada

divider
Table host

Ira Levy

Managing Partner

Breakthrough Entertainment

divider
Table host

Tom Mazza

CEO

EveryWhere Studios

divider
Table host

Sarah McCormack

EVP, Acquisitions & Co-Productions

Beyond Distribution

divider
Table host

Patrick McGuire

Head of Content

VICE Canada

divider
Table host

Andrew Morris

President & Executive Producer

Accessible Media Inc.

divider
Table host

Robin Neinstein

Manager of Original Content – Scripted, Factual & Kids

Corus Entertainment

divider
Table host

Peter Putka

Executive in Charge of Production

Some Spider Studios

divider
Table host

Jessica Schmiedchen

Director of Development, Unscripted Content

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

divider
Table host

Jonathan Sinclair

EVP, Programing & Development

OWN Oprah Winfrey Network

divider
Table host

Steve Woolf

Head of Programming, OTT Video

go90

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1:30pm

Partner Presentation: Discovering New Voices (1:30pm - 2:30pm)

In Partnership With

NEW BRUNSWICK ROOM

The world has an increasingly insatiable appetite for new content.  If “Content is King”, it’s more important than ever to find and nurture new talent – the new King-makers as it were.   Join Telefilm Canada, the Coup Company and Wattpad for a half-hour conversation about innovative ideas for finding and supporting Canada’s next wave of story-tellers.  

Featuring:

Francesca Accinelli

VP Communications, Promo

Telefilm Canada

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J. Joly

Founder & CEO

The Coup

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Renee Laprise

Producer

Lovely Witches Club Inc.

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Patricia Larsen

Creator

Lovely Witches Club Inc.

divider

Aron Levitz

Head of Wattpad Studios

Wattpad

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2:00pm

Media Leaders Series: Strategies For Success in a Multi-Platform World (2:00pm - 3:00pm)

In Partnership With

ALBERTA ROOM

To achieve success in the current landscape, industry players need to navigate the ever-growing maze of networks, services, studios, and OTTs. The buyer/seller ecosystem is no longer as straightforward as it once was: content creators must be increasingly strategic in determining the best outlet for their content and which partners to collaborate with on any given production, while traditional broadcast platforms face increased pressure to find the perfect programming to align with their brand in order to compete with the massive expenditures that SVOD players are dedicating to original content. Meanwhile, traditional broadcasters generate consistent revenue through licensing deals with these SVODs so they must maintain strong relationships. This group of industry leaders will discuss their relationship strategies and give an insider’s look at what it takes to run a global business in such a complicated sector.

Moderating:


Bill Carter

Media Analyst

CNN

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Featuring:

Sean Cohan

President

A+E Networks

divider

Raja Khanna

Founder

Blue Ant Media

divider

Jim Packer

President Worldwide TV and Digital Distribution

Lionsgate Entertainment

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2:30pm

Keeping Up With Kid Culture: A Disney Research Presentation (2:30pm - 3:30pm)

NEW BRUNSWICK ROOM

Join Disney Channels Worldwide SVP of Consumer Insights Jane Gould as she unveils new proprietary research on the current state of kid culture for the two to 14 set in the US. In an effort to understand the culture being created by--and having an impact on--today's kids, the findings reveal that a distinctly different generation is emerging. This group is being shaped by shifting family structures, the explosion of creativity and their' drive to be creative, intersectionality in terms of gender ideas and cultivating personal interests, and a craving for new frontiers and a global perspective when it comes to content. And Jane will tell you all about it at this can't-miss session for anyone working in the children's content space.

Featuring:

Jane Gould

Co-Founder & Partner Wonderworks Insights

Disney Channels Worldwide and Freeform

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3:00pm

Master Class: Born This Way With Diversity Award Recipient Jonathan Murray (3:00pm - 4:00pm)

In Partnership With

ALBERTA ROOM

This year’s A+E Diversity Award recipient, Jonathan Murray, will shed light on the inspiration behind his show Born This Way and how he is using his position to promote diversity within the entertainment industry.

Moderating:


Bill Carter

Media Analyst

CNN

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Featuring:

Jonathan Murray

Founder & Executive Consultant

Bunim-Murray Productions

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3:30pm

Media In The Age Of Trump With ABC News President James Goldston (3:30pm - 5:00pm)

CASCADE BALLROOM

The biggest story of 2017 is the new – and unpredictable – administration.  People are eager to understand what’s happening in the world, and there have never been so many sources for news to engage them. At the same time, fake news is on the rise, leading to profound confusion.  Many people feel ignored or misunderstood by mainstream media organizations. Others dismiss every outlet as a partisan voice. The truth itself has come under siege.

How can modern newsrooms respond in the current climate when the spotlight has never been so intense?

ABC News, known for its distinctive, fair and fearless reporting, boasts some of the best journalists in the business. BANFF is proud to announce a Keynote Address from James Goldston, the President of ABC News, where he will take on these topics and help make sense of a rapidly changing business. This will undoubtedly be one of the most timely and fascinating conversations of the Festival.

Featuring:

James Goldston

President, ABC News

ABC News

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Networking Break (3:30pm - 4:00pm)

Take this opportunity to network with your fellow delegates over refreshments and refocus for another great slate of BANFF programming.

Roundtable: In Conversation With Cartoon Network’s Kyle Carrozza (3:30pm - 4:30pm)

IVOR PETRAK ROOM

Meet the mind behind Cartoon Network’s hit comedy Mighty Magiswords, an adventure series that follows Prohyas and Vambre, a sibling team of “warriors for hire” who embark on heroic quests using outrageously funny swords called Magiswords. Building on the original 15-second series that launched on the CN Anything appMighty Magiswords is part of a rich connected world of more than 500 pieces of original content. Accompanied by an immersive app Magimobile and the mobile game Surely You Quest, fans can earn Magiswords and grow their collection, further heightening the interactivity of Mighty Magiswords. Carrozza will discuss how he conceived the idea and the development process behind creating a truly multiplatform success that is unlike anything else in the kids marketplace. 

Moderating:


Natalie Dumoulin

VP of Creative Affairs

9 Story Media Group

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Featuring:

Kyle Carrozza

Creator, Mighty Magiswords

Cartoon Network

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Face To Face Meeting Exchange (3:30pm - 4:30pm)

In Partnership With

ALHAMBRA ROOM

The renowned one-on-one Face to Face Meeting Exchange provides BANFF delegates with the opportunity to meet prospective partners or peers in the form of some of the world’s leading international development executives, producers, distributors, and agents. Specifically designed to be 10 minute exchanges, the program has enabled thousands of one-on-one meetings and has led to many millions of dollars in transactions. In an ecosystem that thrives on connections, great content, and expertise, connect with people, ideas, and events that are of professional interest and maximize efficiencies!

 

*Advanced sign-up is required. A total of ten (10) Face to Face Meeting Exchange spots can be reserved at sign-up time.

General sign up opened on Monday May 15th at 12:00pm ET, on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign-up closes on Friday June 9th at 5:00pm ET.

 

Once onsite: Participants who have successfully secured a Face to Face spot(s) will be required to check in at the session room for processing 15-20 minutes prior to the session’s start time. Showing up late may result in your spot being taken. 

 

For those who did not secure a spot in advance, or would like a chance to secure additional spots, some space may become available onsite due to no-shows. Delegates can arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes before the session’s start time and take advantage of the wait line; the room monitor will process the line on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Featuring:

Table host

Philip Barnsdall-Thompson

SVP Acquisitions, UK, Europe & North America - FACTUAL ONLY

Flame Distribution

divider
Table host

Damon Berger

EVP, Business Development and Operations

Fullscreen Media

divider
Table host

Wissam Chahine

Producer/Director, Head of Production

Orbit Productions, Orbit TV network

divider
Table host

Maria Farano

Executive Producer & Content Developer

Corus Entertainment

divider
Table host

Nicky Forsman

Head of Development

OUTtv Network Inc

divider
Table host

Sarah Fowlie

Head of Production, Original Programming

Bell Media

divider
Table host

Larry Grimaldi

SVP, Development & Production

MarVista Entertainment

divider
Table host

Andrew Kelly

Vice President, Scripted Development

Entertainment One Television

divider
Table host

Anthony Kimble

CEO

Cineflix Rights

divider
Table host

Andreas Lemos

Director, International Content

Banijay Rights

divider
Table host

Krista Look

VP, Original Lifestyle Content

Corus Entertainment

divider
Table host

Tom Mazza

CEO

EveryWhere Studios

divider
Table host

Michelle Melanson

President & Executive Producer

Radical Sheep Productions

divider
Table host

Sydni Naglie

Unscripted Acquisitions, North America

eOne Television International

divider
Table host

Jane Rimer

Senior Vice President, Canada

Insight Production Company Ltd.

divider
Table host

Joseph Schneier

SVP, Production & Development, Discovery Channel

Discovery Channel

divider
Table host

Adam Steinman

Production and Development

Warner Bros. International Television Production

divider
Table host

Cheryl Taylor

BBC's Children's Head of Content

BBC Children's

divider
Table host

Ian Whitehead

Vice-President, English Scripted Content

Incendo

divider
Table host

Steve Woolf

Head of Programming, OTT Video

go90

divider
4:00pm

Brands Creating Content (4:00pm - 5:00pm)

NEW BRUNSWICK ROOM

Brands have been adapting to the creative world for some time now, especially with the influential inception of brand studios. Award-winning content has been produced from these internal studios, and brands are playing with many other avenues to create cutting-edge content as well. We will dive into the discussion over the chemistry of brand studios, and all of the successful alternative avenues that brands are taking to create influential, original content. Find out what brands are looking for from producers and how they have managed to create amazing, original, branded-partnership content. Join us as we discuss the science behind brands as creators through the expertise of our panelists.Brands have been adapting to the creative world for some time now, especially with the influential inception of brand studios. Award-winning content has been produced from these internal studios, but why aren’t more brands taking the plunge and following suit? Is there something wrong with brand intervention when it comes to creative content? We will dive into the discussion over the chemistry of brand studios, and all of the successful alternative avenues that brands are taking to create influential original content.  Join us as we discuss the science behind brands as creators through the expertise of our panelists.

Moderating:


Caressa Douglas

SVP, Global Strategic Partnerships

Branded Entertainment Network (BEN)

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Featuring:

Jordan Bortolotti

Executive Vice President, Canada

Studio71

divider

JC Cangilla

COO

New Form

divider

Brian Tolleson

Head of Content & Managing Partner

Bark Bark

divider
5:00pm

DHX Kids & Family Cocktail Reception (5:00pm - 6:00pm)

In Partnership With

UPPER RUNDLE

The kids & animation market is booming with the advent of new platforms that entertain, educate, and inspire growing minds. This is your opportunity to join industry leaders to celebrate current successes and envision what the future has in store.

6:00pm

Rockie Awards Pre-Gala Reception (6:00pm - 7:00pm)

VAN HORNE BALLROOM

Stop by to share a laugh and have a drink in anticipation of BANFF’s signature gala, the Rockie Awards.

7:00pm

Rockie Awards Gala (7:00pm - 8:30pm)

VAN HORNE BALLROOM

Come celebrate in style at BANFF’s signature Rockie Awards Gala at the luxurious Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. A night not to be missed as this year’s honourees accept their awards.  

Please note the venue change - The Rockie Awards shows - both Gala and Program Competition, will be taking place in the Van Horne ballroom this year. It is located on the conference side of the hotel.

Featuring:

Host

Anthony Anderson

Star, black-ish

Disney |ABC

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Wednesday, June 14

8:00am
8:30am

Face To Face Meeting Exchange (8:30am - 9:30am)

In Partnership With

ALHAMBRA ROOM

The renowned one-on-one Face to Face Meeting Exchange provides BANFF delegates with the opportunity to meet prospective partners or peers in the form of some of the world’s leading international development executives, producers, distributors, and agents. Specifically designed to be 10 minute exchanges, the program has enabled thousands of one-on-one meetings and has led to many millions of dollars in transactions. In an ecosystem that thrives on connections, great content, and expertise, connect with people, ideas, and events that are of professional interest and maximize efficiencies!

 

*Advanced sign-up is required. A total of ten (10) Face to Face Meeting Exchange spots can be reserved at sign-up time.

General sign up opened on Monday May 15th at 12:00pm ET, on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign-up closes on Friday June 9th at 5:00pm ET.

 

Once onsite: Participants who have successfully secured a Face to Face spot(s) will be required to check in at the session room for processing 15-20 minutes prior to the session’s start time. Showing up late may result in your spot being taken. 

 

For those who did not secure a spot in advance, or would like a chance to secure additional spots, some space may become available onsite due to no-shows. Delegates can arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes before the session’s start time and take advantage of the wait line; the room monitor will process the line on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Featuring:

Table host

Emily Baustien

Development, Discovery Factual

Discovery Channel

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Table host

Mary Bredin

Creative Development Producer

Guru Studio

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Table host

Chika Chukudebelu Igwilo

enior Vice President, Development

BET Networks

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Table host

Zach Feldberg

Director of Current Production Comedy & Head of Scripted Gem Originals

CBC

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Table host

Athena Georgaklis

Vice President

Corus Entertainment

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Table host

Cathy Hare

Director of Acquisitions North America

Entertainment One Television

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Table host

Marie McCann

Senior Director, Children's Content

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

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Table host

Robin Neinstein

Manager of Original Content – Scripted, Factual & Kids

Corus Entertainment

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Table host

Jenny Olson

Director, Strategy and Partnerships

Branded Entertainment Network (BEN)

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Table host

Larry Shuman

President/Literary Manager

The Shuman Company

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Table host

Ryan St.Peters

Development Executive

Shaftesbury/Smokebomb

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Table host

Melissa Wolfe

Head, Animation Development

Amazon Studios

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9:30am

Company Of Distinction Keynote: Tom Ascheim, President, Freeform (9:30am - 10:30am)

In Partnership With

CASCADE BALLROOM

Freeform’s President, Tom Ascheim, will deliver a keynote presentation as part of the 2017 Company of Distinction program.

Moderating:


Lynette Rice

Editor at Large

Entertainment Weekly

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Featuring:

Tom Ascheim

Co-Founder & Principal

Freeform

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10:30am

Master Class: black-ish Featuring Anthony Anderson (10:30am - 11:30am)

CASCADE BALLROOM

The Hollywood Reporter is thrilled to present the inaugural THR Impact Rockie Award to black-ish, ABC’s award-winning hit comedy. Star and executive producer Anthony Anderson will take the stage in BANFF to discuss the show’s creation, themes, and cultural relevance

Moderating:


Tim Goodman

Chief TV Critic

The Hollywood Reporter

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Featuring:

Anthony Anderson

Star, black-ish

Disney |ABC

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11:30am

Networking Break (11:30am - 12:00pm)

Take this opportunity to network with your fellow delegates over refreshments and refocus for another great slate of BANFF programming.

12:00pm

Master Class: The Handmaid’s Tale (12:00pm - 1:00pm)

In Partnership With

CASCADE BALLROOM

This exclusive discussion between executive producer Warren Littlefield and actress Yvonne Strahovski will detail the production, development, and reception of The Handmaid’s Tale.

Moderating:


Bill Carter

Media Analyst

CNN

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Featuring:

Warren Littlefield

Executive Producer, The Handmaid's Tale, Fargo

The Littlefield Company

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Yvonne Strahovski

Actor, The Handmaid's Tale

The Handmaid's Tale

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