In Partnership With

Van Horne Ballroom

In Partnership With

Van Horne Ballroom

Five Indigenous producers present their unscripted/documentary projects and receive questions, comments, and expressions of interest from leading buyers, co-production partners, and funders.

Expert Commentators:

Expert Commentator

Chris Irvine

Head of Commercial and Production

SBS

Expert Commentator

Jean La Rose

General Manager

Animiki See Distribution

Expert Commentator

Mike Omelus

Executive Director Content and Strategy

APTN Aboriginal Peoples Television Network Inc.

Expert Commentator

Jessica Schmiedchen

Director of Development, Unscripted Content

CBC

Expert Commentator

Adam Steinman

Production and Development

Walt Disney Television Alternative

In Partnership With

Van Horne Ballroom

Five Indigenous producers present their scripted drama projects and receive questions, comments, and expressions of interest from leading buyers, co-production partners, and funders.

Expert Commentators:

Expert Commentator

Adam Garnet Jones

Director of TV Content and Special Events

APTN - Aboriginal Peoples Television Network

Expert Commentator

Rachel Goldstein-Couto

Head of Development, Original Programming

Bell Media

Expert Commentator

Gwenllian Gravelle

Head of Scripted International

S4C International

Expert Commentator

Georgina Lightning

Filmmaker

Tribal Alliance Production

Expert Commentator

Paige Murray

Executive in Charge of Development, Drama

CBC

In Partnership With

Van Horne Ballroom

Five Indigenous producers present their comedy projects and receive questions, comments, and expressions of interest from leading buyers, co-production partners, and funders.

Expert Commentators:

Expert Commentator

Nua Finau

Co-Founder, Executive Producer and Showrunner

Tavake Ltd

Expert Commentator

Brent Haynes

Head of Originals, Canada

Amazon Studios

Expert Commentator

Carlyn Klebuc

General Manager, Original Programming

Bell Media

Expert Commentator

Cody Lightning

Actor, Writer, Director

Expert Commentator

Sarah Quan

Executive in Charge of Development, Comedy

CBC

In Partnership With

Theatre

Take the opportunity to hear directly from the presidents of Universal Television, Universal International Studios & UCP and Universal Television Alternative Studio, as they outline their vision for 2024 and beyond, and share intel on how best to do business with them.

Universal Studio Group is the umbrella brand that houses NBCUniversal's four powerhouse television studios. Collectively, the four premium studio brands produce over 100 projects across 27 platforms, including Law & Order, Hacks, Girls5eva, Chucky, Dr. Death, That's My Jam, Hollywood Game Night, Everyone Else Burns and We Are Lady Parts.

Featuring:

Toby Gorman

President

Universal Television Alternative Studio

Beatrice Springborn

President, UCP & Universal International Studios

Universal Studio Group

Erin Underhill

President

Universal Television

Theatre

Hear the programming needs and priorities of major content investors first-hand and participate in live Q&A. No advance sign-up required. Space will be filled on site, on a first come, first seated basis until we hit room capacity. Sessions are closed to press.

Cascade

Join us as we officially open the 2024 edition of the Banff World Media Festival, featuring special guests and important announcements.

Featuring:

Kevin Beggs

Chair and Chief Creative Officer, Television Group

Lionsgate Entertainment

Jenn Kuzmyk

Executive Director - BANFF, Publisher - Playback

Brunico Communications Ltd.

In Partnership With

Cascade

Join us for a conversation with the Hon. Minister of Canadian Heritage as she discusses issues affecting Canadian content. 

Cascade

Join our esteemed international media leaders as they delve into the currents reshaping the media landscape. From technological convergence to the imperative of diversity and inclusion, they'll navigate the challenges and opportunities of an ever-evolving industry, sharing innovative strategies driving success in the face of disruption.

Featuring:

Bing Chen

CEO & Co-Founder

Gold House

Sandra Dewey

Chief Operating Officer

Media Res Studio

Lisa Kramer

President, International TV Licensing

Paramount Global Content Distribution

Asif Sadiq

Chief Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer

Warner Bros. Discovery

Cori Wellins

Partner, Scripted TV

WME

In Partnership With

Cascade

In Partnership With

Cascade

Join us for an insightful discussion with Julie Roy, Executive Director and CEO of Telefilm Canada, as she delves into the organization’s strategic plan for the next three years. After comprehensive meetings and consultations, Telefilm is proud to present their priorities for the next strategic action cycle. The plan was built with the goal of maximizing Telefilm’s impact for the greatest benefit of the industry while strengthening the mobilizing power of Canadian and Indigenous cinema as it adapts to the ever- evolving means of distribution and consumption.

This discussion will explore how they intend to drive collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, shaping the future of the Canadian cinematic landscape to ensure that it thrives nationally and internationally. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in Telefilm’s vision to continue to shape an inclusive, sustainable and prosperous path for the audiovisual industry.

Featuring:

Julie Roy

Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director

Telefilm Canada

Alhambra

Drop-in on site - no sign up required.

These popular 45-minute informal sessions are a great way to add to your network by connecting with the right people. Hosted by industry experts, join these guided conversations to gain insight into topics including treaties and co-productions, financing, AI, sustainability and more! Up to six delegates can join a Topic Table at one time and are invited to move from one table to another as space allows. Space is filled and managed on a first come first served basis until we hit capacity.

Featuring:

Table host

Fraser Ash

Producer

Rhombus Media Inc

Table host

Catherine Casey

Senior Creative Executive Global Unscripted Formats

Amazon Studios | The Culver Studios

Table host

Simon Faber

Founder & Producer

Taiga Pictures

Table host

Dan Fill

President

Dark Slope

Table host

Kirsten Hurd

Commissioning Editor

TVOkids

Table host

Richard Jean-Baptiste

Vice President, Business Innovation, Executive Producer

Attraction

Table host

Kevin Krikst

Producer

Rhombus Media Inc

Saleena Lockett

Executive Director of Scripted Programming

The CW Television Network

Table host

Vanessa Loewen

General Manager

Animiki See Digital Production Inc.

Table host

Wadooah Wali

Co-founder, Chief Strategy Officer & Executive Producer

New Canvas

Table host

Cori Wellins

Partner, Scripted TV

WME

Table host

Melanie Windle

Executive Director

Sustainable Entertainment Society

Table host

Jay Carolyn Wu

Head of Development

LaRue Entertainment

Table host

Li Yeh

Director, Strategic Planning, Original Programming

Bell Media

In Partnership With

Cascade

President's Hall

Advance sign up is required via lottery, see networking page for more details. There will also be a wait line on site if any openings become available.

BANFF’s Speed Meetings are a fantastic opportunity for content creators and producers to meet one-on-one with leading development executives, distributors, programmers and funders in eight-minute meetings. 

Connect with partners who can help take your screen-based project to the next stage - this program has facilitated thousands of partnerships and has led to millions of dollars in new content.

Attendees who secured a meeting or stand by spot in advance for Speed Meetings should arrive at the session room 30 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late for your scheduled time slot will result in losing your spot to the wait line.

If you did not secure a Speed Meetings spot or a stand by spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Speed Meetings are on the Conference Centre side of the hotel. Give yourself extra time to make your way over from the main lobby of the hotel so that you are not late for your scheduled meetings.

*This session is for SCRIPTED pitches only. Please research each meeting host to be sure your pitches fit their remit. 

Featuring:

Table host

Kim Ball

Chief Content & Communications Officer

Super Channel

Table host

Jolise Beaton

Director, Original Content Canada

Audible Inc.

Table host

Chris Bell

Manager, Content - Netflix Canada

Netflix Services Canada ULC

Table host

Warren Campbell

Founder

JOIN TV Network

Table host

Sarah Fowlie

Head of Production, Original Programming

Bell Media

Table host

Danelle Granger

Development, Scripted Production Executive

APTN Aboriginal Peoples Television Network Inc.

Table host

Gwenllian Gravelle

Head of Scripted International

S4C International

Table host

Chris Irvine

Head of Commercial and Production

SBS

Table host

Saleena Lockett

Executive Director of Scripted Programming

The CW Television Network

Table host

Paige Murray

Executive in Charge of Development, Drama

CBC

Table host

Sarah Quan

Executive in Charge of Development, Comedy

CBC

Table host

Sharon Stevens

VP Programming

Hollywood Suite Inc

Table host

Grace Tran

Director of Global Scripted Programming

NBCUniversal International Studios

Theatre

Hear the programming needs and priorities of major content investors first-hand and participate in live Q&A. No advance sign-up required. Space will be filled on site, on a first come, first seated basis until we hit room capacity. Sessions are closed to press.

Cascade

In an increasingly challenged industry environment, securing greenlights for premium content is a critical endeavor.  Top players in international financing will unveil their strategies for tackling big-budget projects: from navigating territory interests to leveraging pre-sales and exploring the rise of non-English content, how are these experts crafting deals and driving innovation and getting global content made?

Featuring:

Javiera Balmaceda

Head of Originals, Latin America, Canada & Australia

Amazon MGM Studios

Janet Brown

President, Content Distribution, North America & LatAm

BBC Studios Americas Inc.

Prentiss Fraser

President, TV Distribution

Fifth Season

Jack Oliver

Head of Co-Productions

Sky TV

Patrick Vien

Group Managing Director, International

A+E Networks

Mt Stephen Hall

Join these top-tier Music Supervisors who have shaped the sonic landscape of your favourite films and shows. Yes, Music Supervisors have great taste in music, but there’s much more to it. There is a dynamic collaboration between music supervisors, producers, directors and showrunners. Let’s discuss the art of soundtrack selection, licensing hurdles, keeping budgets and timelines in check and the influence of emerging technologies – all the while working to enhance the storytelling and creating memorable moments that have the audience hitting “Shazam” and “download."

Featuring:

Natasha Duprey

Music Supervisor

Must be Nice Productions

Andrea Higgins

Music Supervisor

AHA Sound & Vision

Michael Perlmutter

Music Supervisor

Instinct Entertainment

Lindsay Wolfington

Owner, Music Supervisor

Lone Wolf Music Supervision

Alhambra

Advance sign up is required, see networking page for more details. There is a wait line on site if any openings become available.

These 30-minute informal networking sessions are designed to connect delegates with top agents in a small group setting. These sessions are an opportunity to connect and network with agents and fellow festival delegates. Up to six delegates can sign up in advance to meet with each agent at one table.

Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Meet an Agent should arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. There is a 5 minute grace period. If you show up more than 5 minutes after your session start time you will lose your spot. 

If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Featuring:

Table host

Anna Archer

Literary Agent

Lucas Talent Inc

Table host

Kerry Ball

Literary Agent and Head of Development

Meridian Artists Inc

Table host

Jennifer Hollyer

Agent

The Jennifer Hollyer Agency

Table host

Jennifer Irons

Literary Agent

META Talent Agency

Table host

Dan Norton

Agent

CAA Creative Artists Agency

Table host

Sanj Rattan

Agent

Ambition Talent Inc.

Table host

David Ritchie

President

Ambition Talent Inc.

Table host

Andrew McCann Smith

Lit Agent / Director of Content

Play Management

Cascade

Rob Wade is responsible for FOX Entertainment’s growing portfolio of businesses, including FOX Network; in-house unscripted studio FOX Alternative Entertainment (FAE); scripted content creator FOX Entertainment Studios (FES); Studio Ramsay Global in partnership with Gordon Ramsay; Emmy Award winning animation house Bento Box Entertainment; entertainment platform TMZ; independent production studio MarVista Entertainment; and worldwide content sales and distribution unit FOX Entertainment Global (FEG).

In this keynote conversation, Wade will discuss FOX Entertainment's global growth story and the strategies that are driving their content business.

Featuring:

Rob Wade

Chief Executive Officer

FOX Entertainment

Theatre

Hear the programming needs and priorities of major content investors first-hand and participate in live Q&A. No advance sign-up required. Space will be filled on site, on a first come, first seated basis until we hit room capacity. Sessions are closed to press.

In Partnership With

Mt Stephen Hall

Canada’s indie producers face a litany of challenges when it comes to producing film and TV, including high interest rates and uncertain regulatory conditions at home, and a fast-changing content buying market abroad. So, how exactly do you get a show off the ground in Canada these days? Our panel of producers unpack the current obstacles indie production companies are contending with, and what they’re doing to overcome them.

Featuring:

Erin Haskett

President

Lark Productions

Lisa Meeches

Founder and Executive Producer

Eagle Vision

Carolyn Newman

Executive Vice President, Global Scripted

Blink49 Studios

Jordy Randall

Executive Producer

SEVEN24 Films

Richard Speer

President

Attraction

President's Hall

Advance sign up is required via lottery, see networking page for more details. There will also be a wait line on site if any openings become available.

BANFF’s Speed Meetings are a fantastic opportunity for content creators and producers to meet one-on-one with leading development executives, distributors, programmers and funders in eight-minute meetings. 

Connect with partners who can help take your screen-based project to the next stage - this program has facilitated thousands of partnerships and has led to millions of dollars in new content.

Attendees who secured a meeting or stand by spot in advance for Speed Meetings should arrive at the session room 30 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late for your scheduled time slot will result in losing your spot to the wait line.

If you did not secure a Speed Meetings spot or a stand by spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Speed Meetings are on the Conference Centre side of the hotel. Give yourself extra time to make your way over from the main lobby of the hotel so that you are not late for your scheduled meetings.

*This session is for UNSCRIPTED / FACTUAL / DOC pitches only. Please research each meeting host to be sure your pitches fit their remit.

Featuring:

Table host

Jolise Beaton

Director, Original Content Canada

Audible Inc.

Table host

Christine Connor

VP Nonfiction Series and Documentaries

Topic Studios

Table host

Samantha De France

Senior Production Executive

Amazon MGM Studios

Table host

Sarah Fowlie

Head of Production, Original Programming

Bell Media

Table host

Lyle Gamm

SVP, Original Series, CNN

Warner Bros. Discovery

Table host

Michael Gelman

Vice President of Acquistions & Co-Productions

A+E Networks

Table host

Aneka Hylton-Donelson

Director of Development

National Geographic Channel

Table host

Marianne Lambert

Director,
Co-Productions

TFO

Table host

Felicia Litovitz

VP, Acquisitions, North America

Cineflix Rights

Table host

Sandra Murphy

Vice President of Content Sales & Co-Productions, Canada and Latin America

BBC Studios Canada Limited

Table host

Ava Mustos

Associate Director, Acquisitions

Fifth Season

Table host

Natasha Negrea

Head of Programming

TVO

Table host

Jack Oliver

Head of Co-Productions

Sky TV

Table host

Mike Omelus

Executive Director Content and Strategy

APTN Aboriginal Peoples Television Network Inc.

Table host

Sitarah Pendelton

Head of Unscripted Series

MTV Entertainment Studios & Paramount Media Networks

Table host

Stefania Scarfo

Head of Content Strategy & Planning

Paramount

Table host

Jessica Schmiedchen

Director of Development, Unscripted Content

CBC

Table host

John Turner

Executive, Head of Documentaries

IMAX

Table host

Lauren Whitelaw

Head of Programming

OUTtv Network Inc

Table host

Justina Wójtowicz

EVP, Acquisitions Co-Productions & Sales

Rive Gauche Television

Mt Stephen Hall

When streamer investment was accelerating year over year, the private equity industry appeared to take a strong interest in the TV and Film content business. We witnessed numerous private equity investments in both content producers and talent vehicles in North America and Europe. As the era of "Peak TV" fades into the rearview mirror, what does the future hold for Private Equity investment in the content business?

Alhambra

Advance sign up is required, see networking page for more details. There is a wait line on site if any openings become available.

These 30-minute informal sessions are designed to connect delegates with members of BANFF’s Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board. Here’s your opportunity to network with industry leaders spanning broadcast, streaming platforms, and international production and distribution companies to discuss trends and spark potential partnerships in a small group setting. Up to six delegates sign up in advance to meet with a board member.

Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Meet a Board Member should arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. There is a 5 minute grace period. If you show up more than 5 minutes after your session start time you will lose your spot.  

If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Featuring:

Table host

Janet Brown

President, Content Distribution, North America & LatAm

BBC Studios Americas Inc.

Table host

Nua Finau

Co-Founder, Executive Producer and Showrunner

Tavake Ltd

Table host

Gwenllian Gravelle

Head of Scripted International

S4C International

Table host

Carlyn Klebuc

General Manager, Original Programming

Bell Media

In Partnership With

Cascade

Featuring:

Channing Dungey

Chairman

Warner Bros. Television Group

Theatre

Hear the programming needs and priorities of major content investors first-hand and participate in live Q&A. No advance sign-up required. Space will be filled on site, on a first come, first seated basis until we hit room capacity. Sessions are closed to press.

Cascade

Some of the industry’s brightest creative minds discuss blazing new trails and what it takes to make great TV in 2024.

Alhambra

Advance sign up is required, see networking page for more details. There is a wait line on site if any openings become available.

These 30-minute informal networking sessions are designed to connect delegates with top international distributors in a small group setting. These sessions are opportunities to network, discuss trends and to spark potential partnerships. Learn from and connect with industry experts. Up to six delegates can sign up in advance to meet with each distributor at one table.

Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Meet a Distributor should arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. There is a 5 minute grace period. If you show up more than 5 minutes after your session start time you will lose your spot.  

If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Featuring:

Table host

Giuliana Benvenuto

Senior Manager, Acquisitions, North America

Cineflix Rights

Table host

Jean La Rose

General Manager

Animiki See Distribution

Table host

Brook Peters

SVP, Sales & Business Development

Neshama Entertainment/Fox

Table host

Mary-Anne Taylor

Head of Content Distribution, Canada

Roku Inc

President's Hall

In Partnership With

Cascade

Mt Stephen Hall

Dive into the world of music supervision with one of Hollywood’s most sought-after music supervisors, the multi-nominated Grammy and Emmy award-winning Nora Felder, known for her work on Stranger Things, Yellowjackets, Ray Donovan, Californication, Better Things, to name a few. In this exclusive intimate and interactive session, join Nora as she shares her creative approach from ideation to execution, offering insights into how she helps select the ideal musical accompaniment  for her filmmakers. 

Drawing from her extensive experience, Nora will shine a spotlight on some  of her personal favorite standout moments from two of her acclaimed series: the gripping drama Yellowjackets and the hilariously dark comedy What We Do In The Shadows. Through these case studies, you will gain a deeper understanding of the pivotal role music plays in enhancing narrative depth and emotional resonance within television.

Featuring:

Nora Felder

Music Supervisor and Producer

Alhambra

Advance sign up is required, see networking page for more details. There is a wait line on site if any openings become available.

These 30-minute information networking sessions are designed to connect delegates with top directors and showrunners in a small-group setting. Discuss creative challenges, learn about where to find inspiration and receive valuable career advice from leading creative professionals. Up to six delegates can sign up in advance to meet with a showrunner or director at one table.

Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Meet a Showrunner or Director should arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. There is a 5 minute grace period. If you show up more than 5 minutes after your session start time you will lose your spot.  

If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Featuring:

Table host

Tassie Cameron

Showrunner, Executive Producer

Cameron Pictures

Table host

Anthony Q. Farrell

Creator

Canfro Productions, ULC

Table host

John Fawcett

Director

Fleshshow Pictures inc

Table host

Anna Fishko

Showrunner & Executive Producer

Table host

Barbie Kligman

Showrunner, Executive Producer

Table host

Jules Koostachin

Filmmaker

VisJuelles Productions Inc.

Table host

Roma Roth

President

Reel World Management

Table host

Sid Santiago Zanforlin

Director/Writer (Banff Diversity of Voices Recipient)

Goggle Boy Films

In Partnership With

Red Carpet, cocktails and canapés!  Enjoy this celebratory mix-and-mingle in anticipation of BANFF’s signature Rockie Awards Gala.

All BANFF delegates are welcome. Attire: Cocktail.

Celebrate in style at BANFF’s signature Rockie Awards Gala This 45-year legacy recognizes the achievements of outstanding talent and executives from around the world. 

All BANFF delegates are welcome to the Rockie Awards Gala. Seating is first-come, first-served. Attire: Cocktail.

Alhambra

Drop-in on site - no sign up required.

These popular 45-minute informal sessions are a great way to add to your network by connecting with the right people. Hosted by industry experts, join these guided conversations to gain insight into topics including treaties and co-productions, financing, AI, sustainability and more! Up to six delegates can join a Topic Table at one time and are invited to move from one table to another as space allows. Space is filled and managed on a first come first served basis until we hit capacity.

Featuring:

Table host

Brad Bernstein

Chief Content Officer

Texas Crew Productions/Asylum Entertainment Group Canada

Table host

Tanya Blake

Executive Producer

Cineflix Productions

Table host

Vanessa Case

VP Content, Paramount+ and Pluto TV, Paramount Global

Paramount

Table host

Christine Connor

VP Nonfiction Series and Documentaries

Topic Studios

Table host

Nora Felder

Music Supervisor and Producer

Table host

Erika Kumar

Director, Warner Bros. Discovery Access Canada

Warner Bros. Discovery

Table host

Bill Lundy

SVP Comedy

New Metric Media

Table host

Nataline Rodrigues

SVP of Development

Vortex Media

Table host

Olivia Snyder-Spak

Director of Nonfiction Film & Series, Topic Studios

Topic Studios

Table host

Mary-Anne Taylor

Head of Content Distribution, Canada

Roku Inc

Table host

Wadooah Wali

Co-founder, Chief Strategy Officer & Executive Producer

New Canvas

Cascade

President's Hall

Advance sign up is required via lottery, see networking page for more details. There will also be a wait line on site if any openings become available.

BANFF’s Speed Meetings are a fantastic opportunity for content creators and producers to meet one-on-one with leading development executives, distributors, programmers and funders in eight-minute meetings. 

Connect with partners who can help take your screen-based project to the next stage - this program has facilitated thousands of partnerships and has led to millions of dollars in new content.

Attendees who secured a meeting or stand by spot in advance for Speed Meetings should arrive at the session room 30 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late for your scheduled time slot will result in losing your spot to the wait line.

If you did not secure a Speed Meetings spot or a stand by spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Speed Meetings are on the Conference Centre side of the hotel. Give yourself extra time to make your way over from the main lobby of the hotel so that you are not late for your scheduled meetings.

*This session is for KIDS / FAMILY / YOUNG ADULT pitches only. Please research each meeting host to be sure your pitches fit their remit.

Featuring:

Table host

Lisa Cinelli

Executive in Charge of Production, Children's & Youth

CBC Kids

Table host

Aubrey Clarke

Commissioning Executive | BBC Children’s 7+

BBC

Table host

Kelley Gardner

VP, Current Series Animation

Nickelodeon Animation Studios

Table host

Kirsten Hurd

Commissioning Editor

TVOkids

Table host

Marianne Lambert

Director,
Co-Productions

TFO

Table host

Mike Omelus

Executive Director Content and Strategy

APTN Aboriginal Peoples Television Network Inc.

Table host

Diane Rankin

EVP Commercial Strategy + Content Financing

Blue Ant Media

Cascade

Enshittification, the gradual decline into irrelevance faced by media platforms that fail to evolve with their audience, is the sword hanging over every media owner's head. This era, characterized by rapid tech growth, domination and control, threatens to diminish your value, compelling an urgent shift from legacy approaches to innovative engagement. In this gritty guide, we challenge you to overhaul your strategy, placing the audience's preferences at the core. It's a clear call: disrupt your own models or be side-lined by those who will. For those daring to adapt, the future is bright; for the rest, irrelevance awaits.

Featuring:

Adam Cunningham

Chief Strategy Officer

Allied Global Marketing

Alhambra

Advance sign up is required, see networking page for more details. There is a wait line on site if any openings become available.

These 30-minute informal networking sessions are designed to connect delegates with top distributors in a small group setting. These sessions are opportunities to network, discuss trends and to spark potential partnerships. Learn from and connect with industry experts. Up to six delegates can sign up in advance to meet with each distributor at one table.

Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Meet a Distributor should arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. There is a 5 minute grace period. If you show up more than 5 minutes after your session start time you will lose your spot. 

If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Featuring:

Table host

Jean La Rose

General Manager

Animiki See Distribution

Table host

Sandra Murphy

Vice President of Content Sales & Co-Productions, Canada and Latin America

BBC Studios Canada Limited

Table host

Ava Mustos

Associate Director, Acquisitions

Fifth Season

Table host

Brook Peters

SVP, Sales & Business Development

Neshama Entertainment/Fox

Table host

Justin Rebelo

Chief Executive Officer

Vortex Media

Table host

Kate Sanagan

Head of Sales & Distribution

Sinking Ship Entertainment

Table host

Justina Wójtowicz

EVP, Acquisitions Co-Productions & Sales

Rive Gauche Television

Cascade

Join CBS Entertainment’s President, Amy Reisenbach at a special In Conversation With session, as she speaks about the network's 2024/25 programming strategy, the art of building procedural franchises and CBS’ important role in the evolving TV ecosystem.

Featuring:

Amy Reisenbach

President

CBS Entertainment

In Partnership With

Theatre

Through online platforms like YouTube, the distribution playing field has been leveled and Canadian storytellers have thrived on the global stage. Now, countries, companies and creatives are grappling with the possibilities and impacts of generative AI. This panel will explore the real experiences of creators and producers in how they create today, how AI has influenced the creative process, and whether AI can push creative expression, and become the tool that gives rise to equal opportunities in production

Cascade

President's Hall

Advance sign up is required via lottery, see networking page for more details. There will also be a wait line on site if any openings become available.

Production company development execs will be taking one-on-one, eight-minute pitches. Similar in format to our Speed Meeting sessions, this is your chance to pitch to production companies and studios who are looking for great ideas and partnerships.

Attendees who secured a meeting or stand by spot in advance for Production Partners should arrive at the session room 30 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late for your scheduled time slot will result in losing your spot to the wait line.

If you did not secure a Production Partners spot or a stand by spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Production Partners is on the Conference Centre side of the hotel. Give yourself extra time to make your way over from the main lobby of the hotel so that you are not late for your scheduled meeting.

Featuring:

Table host

Iris Bucher

Producer

Quad Television

Table host

Simon Faber

Founder & Producer

Taiga Pictures

Table host

James Farr

EVP, Development

Cream Productions Inc.

Table host

Nua Finau

Co-Founder, Executive Producer and Showrunner

Tavake Ltd

Table host

Sonia Hosko

Vice President, Current, Cineflix Studios

Cineflix Productions Inc.

Table host

Richard Jean-Baptiste

Vice President, Business Innovation, Executive Producer

Attraction

Table host

Kevin Krikst

Producer

Rhombus Media Inc

Table host

Anton Leo

Partner

Counterfeit Pictures

Table host

Marc Leonard

Chief Content Officer

Fuse Media

Table host

Graham Ludlow

Head of Development and Production

Incendo

Table host

Nafisa Murji

Director, Development

Pier 21 Films

Table host

Nick Nantell

EVP, Head of Scripted Creative

Boat Rocker Studios

Table host

Desiree Single

Producer and Co-General Manager

Animiki See Digital Production Inc.

Table host

Olivia Snyder-Spak

Director of Nonfiction Film & Series, Topic Studios

Topic Studios

Table host

Adam Steinman

Production and Development

Walt Disney Television Alternative

Table host

Jeff Vanderwal

Vice President, Scripted

Cineflix Productions

Table host

Wadooah Wali

Co-founder, Chief Strategy Officer & Executive Producer

New Canvas

Table host

David Way

CEO

Great Pacific Media Inc.

Table host

Jay Carolyn Wu

Head of Development

LaRue Entertainment

Table host

Arnie Zipursky

Executive Producer

NESHAMA Entertainment

Cascade

Theatre

Hear the programming needs and priorities of major content investors first-hand and participate in live Q&A. No advance sign-up required. Space will be filled on site, on a first come, first seated basis until we hit room capacity. Sessions are closed to press.

Alhambra

Advance sign up is required, see networking page for more details. There is a wait line on site if any openings become available.

These 30-minute informal sessions are designed to connect delegates with industry decision makers from studios, streamers and networks. These sessions are opportunities to network, discuss trends and spark potential partnerships in a small group setting. Up to six delegates sign up in advance to meet with a decision maker.

Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Meet a Decision Maker should arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. There is a 5 minute grace period. If you show up more than 5 minutes after your session start time you will lose your spot. 

If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Featuring:

Table host

Chris Bell

Manager, Content - Netflix Canada

Netflix Services Canada ULC

Table host

Lisa Cinelli

Executive in Charge of Production, Children's & Youth

CBC Kids

Table host

Aubrey Clarke

Commissioning Executive | BBC Children’s 7+

BBC

Table host

Samantha De France

Senior Production Executive

Amazon MGM Studios

Table host

Toby Dormer

EVP, Unscripted Television

Blink49 Studios

Table host

Larry Grimaldi

SVP, Development & Production

MarVista Entertainment

Table host

Aneka Hylton-Donelson

Director of Development

National Geographic Channel

Table host

Natasha Negrea

Head of Programming

TVO

Table host

Rachel Nelson

Vice President, Original Programming and Head of Corus Studios

Corus Entertainment Inc

Table host

Sitarah Pendelton

Head of Unscripted Series

MTV Entertainment Studios & Paramount Media Networks

Table host

Li Yeh

Director, Strategic Planning, Original Programming

Bell Media

Cascade

Theatre

Hear the programming needs and priorities of major content investors first-hand and participate in live Q&A. No advance sign-up required. Space will be filled on site, on a first come, first seated basis until we hit room capacity. Sessions are closed to press.

Cascade

President's Hall

Advance sign up is required via lottery, see networking page for more details. There will also be a wait line on site if any openings become available.

BANFF’s Speed Meetings are a fantastic opportunity for content creators and producers to meet one-on-one with leading development executives, distributors, programmers and funders in eight-minute meetings. 

Connect with partners who can help take your screen-based project to the next stage - this program has facilitated thousands of partnerships and has led to millions of dollars in new content.

Attendees who secured a meeting or stand by spot in advance for Speed Meetings should arrive at the session room 30 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late for your scheduled time slot will result in losing your spot to the wait line.

If you did not secure a Speed Meetings spot or a stand by spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Speed Meetings are on the Conference Centre side of the hotel. Give yourself extra time to make your way over from the main lobby of the hotel so that you are not late for your scheduled meetings.

*This session is for SCRIPTED pitches only. Please research each meeting host to be sure your pitches fit their remit.

Featuring:

Table host

Kim Ball

Chief Content & Communications Officer

Super Channel

Table host

Jessalyn Dennis

Vice President, Scripted

SEVEN24 Films

Table host

Kelley Gardner

VP, Current Series Animation

Nickelodeon Animation Studios

Table host

Danelle Granger

Development, Scripted Production Executive

APTN Aboriginal Peoples Television Network Inc.

Table host

Gwenllian Gravelle

Head of Scripted International

S4C International

Table host

Carlyn Klebuc

General Manager, Original Programming

Bell Media

Table host

Sandra Murphy

Vice President of Content Sales & Co-Productions, Canada and Latin America

BBC Studios Canada Limited

Table host

Paige Murray

Executive in Charge of Development, Drama

CBC

Table host

Naveen Prasad

Co-President & CEO

Impossible Objects

Table host

Sarah Quan

Executive in Charge of Development, Comedy

CBC

Table host

Diane Rankin

EVP Commercial Strategy + Content Financing

Blue Ant Media

Table host

Grace Tran

Director of Global Scripted Programming

NBCUniversal International Studios

Table host

Lauren Whitelaw

Head of Programming

OUTtv Network Inc

In Partnership With

Alhambra

Drop-in on site - no sign up required.

**New to BANFF** Are you a producer seeking a writer or director? What about a music supervisor? Drop by the Collaboration Station to find your creative matches! This lively, table-hopping format lets you spend a little time socializing with pairs of key industry creatives and execs from leading channels/platforms and production and media companies. This is designed as a networking opportunity, folks, so please save your pitch for a private meeting. 

We strongly encourage you to work your way around the room rather than staying at one table. Space is filled and managed on a first come, first served basis until we hit capacity.

Featuring:

Table host

Nicole Butler

Co-CEO/Executive Producer

Pier 21 Films

Table host

Catherine Casey

Senior Creative Executive Global Unscripted Formats

Amazon Studios | The Culver Studios

Table host

Melanie Nepinak Hadley

Executive Director, Equity and Inclusion-Canada

Warner Bros. Discovery

Vanessa Loewen

General Manager

Animiki See Digital Production Inc.

Table host

Elfred Matining

Program Consultant/Facilitator

Warner Bros. Discovery

Table host

Michael Perlmutter

Music Supervisor

Instinct Entertainment

Table host

Roma Roth

President

Reel World Management

Table host

Desiree Single

Producer and Co-General Manager

Animiki See Digital Production Inc.

Table host

Vanessa Steinmetz

Co-CEO/Executive Producer

Pier 21 Films

Table host

Mike Stiller

Head of East Coast Development

A+E Networks/The HISTORY Channel

Table host

Dayna Zipursky

VP, Content and Business Strategy

NESHAMA Entertainment

Please note there will be limited seating. Guests will be seated on a first come, first seated basis.

Join us for cocktails and snacks! Meet and celebrate this year’s nominees representing the best in global content. Winners from around the world will then be revealed during the live show.

All BANFF delegates are welcome. Attire: Business casual.

Cascade

With an increased demand for content that has worldwide appeal, how can local stories access the international marketplace? Our panel of top producers and distributors offer their insights on the path from local to global including financing scenarios and production considerations to get to greenlight.  

Priority seating for DOV participants.