Speakers + Hosts

Alona Abt

CEO, Hop! Channel Ltd

Alona Abt founded The Hop! Channel, the world’s first dedicated preschool channel that is today Israel’s flagship media destination for children through age 7. Zebra Communications operates several channels on cable and satellite platforms around the world, combining the best of international children’s programming with award-winning original productions. At the forefront of technology and its convergence with content, Zebra also creates content for mobile and emerging media platforms, as well as operates several internet sites aimed at diverse audiences.

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Speaking at (11 -11:30) 30 Minutes With...Alona Abt

Michael Acton Smith

CEO, Moshi Monsters

Michael Acton Smith is CEO and founder of online games company Mind Candy. The company created Moshi Monsters which has over 30m players around the world. Mind Candy's first project was the Transmedia game Perplex City that played out across different media including websites, text messages, magazines, live events, skywriting and multiple helicopters. Prior to Mind Candy, Michael co-founded Firebox.com (online retailer of gadgets, games and gifts), Berwickstock (boutique music festival) and Second Chance Tuesday (events to connect technology investors with entrepreneurs).

Speaking at Moshi Monsters: The Making of a $100-Million Web-driven Hit

Robin Agranoff

Vice President, Programming, Disney Channels, Disney ABC Television Group

Robin Agranoff is responsible for managing program planning and scheduling for basic cable ratings leader Disney Channel, its learning focused programming block for preschoolers, Disney Junior (formerly

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Speaking at Demographic Doubletake

JJ Ahearn

Managing Director, Licensing Street

JJ is a veteran of the licensing industry and currently serves as Managing Director of Licensing Street LLC. Licensing Street's clients include some of the world's leading companies including American Greetings, National Geographic Kids, and MTV Networks. Previously JJ served as Director of Licensing and New Business Development for Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products as well as CBS Television working on such hit properties as: SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, South Park, Chappelle’s Show, Survivor, CSI, Beverly Hills 90210 and Star Trek. Before relocating to New York, JJ served as General Manager of Memcorp Asia, manufacturers of Memorex consumer electronics. As General Manager he established licensing agreements worldwide for Memorex brand including Canada, Mexico, Latin America, United Kingdom, Australia, Europe, and more.

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Speaking at Licensing 101

Finn Arnesen

Senior Vice President of International Distribution and Development, Hasbro International

Veteran children’s programming executive Finn Arnesen joined Hasbro Studios as SVP of International Distribution and Development in April 2010. He currently manages Hasbro Studios’ global content sales, distribution, channel and program development activities outside of North America, extending across television, online and other emerging media. Previously, Finn served as SVP of Original Series and International Development at Turner Broadcasting System International. During his 17-year tenure at TBS, Finn generated ever-higher ratings and revenues while overseeing: programming and development

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Speaking at The Real Deal

Nicolas Atlan

Executive Chairman No Am, Moonscoop Entertainment, LLC

Nicolas Atlan is Co-CEO of Moonscoop and also serves as Executive Chairman for Moonscoop’s North American operations. In 2009, Atlan relocated from the Paris headquarters to L.A. and now oversees the

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Speaking at Speed Pitching 1, Speed Pitching 3

Evan Baily

President, Consolidated Baily

Evan Baily is president of Consolidated Baily Inc., a production company focusing on projects at the intersection of traditional and digital media. Selected clients and partners include Nintendo, Nickelodeon, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, TeamTO, Amalgamated, and Chorion.

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Speaking at Keynote Debate: Transmedia - Passing Fad or New Reality?

Justine Bannister

International Business Development

Speaking at (12-12:30) Mentor Meeting: Development and Production Experts

Andrew Beecham

SVP Programming, Sprout

Andrew Beecham is SVP of Programming for PBS Kids Sprout, the first 24-hour preschool destination available on TV, on-demand and online for kids ages two to five and their parents and caregivers.

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Speaking at (4-4:30) 30 Minutes With...Andrew Beecham

Pierre Belaisch

Managing Director, Gaumont Alphanim

Pierre Belaïsch’s previous experience includes 10 years in advertising agencies (media strategy for brands such as Kellogg's, Tropicana, Lancia cars, Milton Bradley, Weight Watchers...), Youth Programs Scheduling Director for TF1 (1996-1997), during the course of which he launched "TF!", TF1’s youth programming slots.

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Speaking at The Real Deal

Kay Benbow

Controller CBeebies, BBC Children's

Kay Benbow was appointed Controller of CBeebies in May 2010, having worked in children's television for over 20 years – primarily at the BBC.

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Speaking at (11-11:30) 30 Minutes With...Kay Benbow, (4-4:30) 30 Minutes With...Kay Benbow, (12:30 - 1:30) Lunching With ...

Stephanie Betts

VP Development DHX Kids, DHX Media

Stephanie Betts is responsible for managing, fostering and expanding the kids development slate for DHX Media, across the company’s three Canadian offices. Stephanie’s expertise and focus is on building strong creatively-driven teams and series, which will appeal to domestic and international broadcasters, and mostly importantly kids! Prior to joining DHX Media, Stephanie worked at Breakthrough Films and Television for 6 years on award-winning series such as Atomic Betty, Miss BG, Captain Flamingo and Jimmy Two Shoes. She most recently developed and produced, My Big Big Friend and Producing Parker.

Speaking at Speed Pitching 1, Speed Pitching 4, Speed Networking:
Co-pro Connections

Vibika Bianchi

VP, Original Programming, Lifestyle, Reality & Factual, Corus Entertainment Inc.

In the Fall of 2010, Vibika Bianchi was appointed Vice President of Original Programming, guiding the unscripted programming strategy across all Corus networks including W Network, Cosmo TV, YTV, CMT (Canada) - and now OWN (Canada), launching March 1. Vibika’s mandate is to contribute to the growth of Corus Television through commissioned Canadian productions as well as in- house initiatives, working closely with producers, advertisers and international broadcasters alike.

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Speaking at Channel Team Spotlight on...Corus Entertainment

Carlos Biern

Executive VP Coproductions & Worldwide Distribution, B.R.B. Internacional, S.A.

Executive in charge of setting up international creative teams for the development and financing of animation series in BRB. His experience includes more than 20 coproductions in Europe, Northamerica and Asia with series such as “Iron Kid”, “Bernard”, “The Imp”, “Khuda-yana”, ”Suckers”, ”Zookaboo”, ”Kambu” or ”Canimals”. Aside of coproductions he is right now responsible for heading audiovisual, merchandising and digital/new technologies activities of the BRB group.

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Speaking at Pitching Clinics, Speed Networking:
Co-pro Connections

Laurence Blaevoet

Head of Children's Programs and Channels, Canal Plus France

Laurence Blaevoet, Director of Programming of CANAL+ Channels, is appointed Director of Youth unit of CANAL+ Group.

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Speaking at (10-10:30) 30 Minutes With...Laurence Blaevoet

Sophie Boé

Head of Animated Programmes, Groupe Canal Plus

Since 2001, Sophie Boé is responsible for editorial content of all family and children Coproductions and Presales for CANAL+ Group Channels (CANAL+, CANAL+ FAMILY, Piwi, TeleTOON)

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Speaking at Speed Pitching 4, (12:30 - 1:30) Lunching With...

Carole Bonneau

VP Programming, TELETOON Canada

Carole is VP of Programming for Canada’s first and only 24-hour bilingual animation channel. In this capacity, she is responsible for scheduling and acquisitions for four distinct networks: Teletoon English, Teletoon French, Teletoon Retro (English) and Teletoon Retro (French). She also oversees the continued growth of Teletoon’s original development and production activities. Carole joined Teletoon in November 1996 as Director of Programming, and she was promoted to VP in 2001. During her tenure, Carole has been instrumental in fostering Canadian talent, setting aside 47% of Teletoon’s annual revenue for the acquisition and development of animated series by Canadian producers. Some of the most notable programs to benefit from this commitment are 6Teen, Johnny Test and Total Drama Island. She also led the charge in cementing long-term relationships with Warner Bros. and Cartoon Network, among others. Carole holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Journalism from l’Université Laval in Quebec. She also studied at the Centre de Formation Journalistique in Paris, France. Carole is married with two children and currently resides in Toronto.

Speaking at (3-3:30) 30 Minutes With...Carole Bonneau

Julien Borde

General Secretary of Programming, France Televisions

In October 2005, Julien Borde joined France Télévisions first as Director of the youth department at France 3 and since October 2008, as the newly created position of Head of Children and Youth programming at France Télévisions. In 1997 to 2005, in Disney Channel France, Julien Borde successively became programming coordinator, Director of programmes in charge of planning and scheduling, Programme Director of the Disney Channel in 2000. From 2002, he also carried out these functions at Playhouse Disney and Toon Disney. At the beginning of 2005, Julien Borde was named Executive Producer of programmes and production at Disney Télévision France. He began his career as a programme planning assistant at Canal J.

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Speaking at Channel Team Spotlight on...France Televisions, (12-12:30) 30 Minutes With...Julien Borde, (12:30 - 1:30) Lunching With...

Jules Borkent

SVP, Global Acquisitions & Programming, Nickelodeon International

Based in New York, Jules Borkent oversees program acquisitions worldwide for Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and Nicktoons, as well as programming strategies for Nickelodeon’s international networks. Working in close partnership with Nickelodeon creative teams around the world, Jules identifies programming and cross-promotional opportunities to best leverage Nickelodeon’s programming and brand portfolio.

Speaking at Channel Team Spotlight on...Nickelodeon, (11-11:30) 30 Minutes With...Jules Borkent, (12:30 - 1:30) Lunching With ...

Richard Bradley

Managing Director, Lion Television

Richard is a founder of Lion Television, one of the industry’s most successful production companies with offices in London, Glasgow, New York and a joint venture in China. Richard is the Executive Producer of Bafta-award winning Horrible Histories, the hit comedy history series for CBBC. Richard specializes in both popular and ambitious history, science, arts and factual projects, for broadcasters throughout Europe, Asia and North America. Under his creative leadership, Lion has assembled one of the most widely respected historical, documentary and specialist factual program producing units – with a worldwide reputation for innovative and accessible television winning many awards include four Emmys, Baftas and the Prix Jeunesse 2010. Richard’s recent credits at Lion include Horrible Histories, Pompeii, First Light, The First Emperor, Cleopatra: Portrait of a Killer, Hottest Place on Earth, The Great Wall and The Spartans used as inspiration by Zack Snyder for his hit movie 300. Richard was also involved in devising Britain from Above, Victorian Farm and Chinese School for the BBC. Richard has several years experience of the joys and challenges of ambitious co-productions, and has enjoyed creating pioneering production partnerships in Asia and the Middle East. Prior to founding Lion, Richard was an Emmy award-winning director and producer at the BBC for 12 years. And before that he was a teacher in rural Kenya. He is the father of three TV hungry boys.

Speaking at Demographic Doubletake