Speakers

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Tiffany Aguilar

Vice President, Research & Strategy

Insight Strategy Group


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Tristan Alleyne

Senior Sales & Promotions Officer

JAMPRO / Trade and Invest Jamaica


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Maija Arponen

Head of Development

Haruworks Ltd

Maija Arponen brings together a hands-on knowledge of working with children and families, a thorough understanding of premium narrative content and a thirst for high quality art.  Maija is focused on using children’s content to foster large scale behavioural change both in viewers and creators: She strives to use her...show more

Featured in: Inclusion is Expansion: Indigenous representation done right


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Evan Baily

President

Consolidated Baily

Evan Baily is a creative producer, packager, and entrepreneur working at the intersection of TV, video games, digital platforms, and iconic brands. He is currently building a socially responsible content company, developing and packaging a TV series based on an iconic mobile game property, and serving as executive producer of...show more

Featured in: Beyond the Clip: Doing it better on YouTube


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Janet Balmforth

Consultant

DDA Blueprint Public Relations

Featured in: Brainpick


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Justine Bannister

Founder & Creative Facilitator

Just B

Justine is an independent children’s media consultant with 25 years’ experience accrued most notably at 20th Century Fox, Disney Channels France, TV Loonland and PGS Entertainment.  Her skillset spans animation production, development and post-production, distribution, acquisitions, co-productions, marketing, brand and community management and project evaluation. Justine set up JUST B...show more

Featured in: Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby: Broaching the birds and bees through entertainment


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Kurt Beidler

General Manager

Amazon Kids & Family

Kurt is the General Manager of Kids and Family for Amazon, where he leads all digital and hardware products for kids and families, including Amazon FreeTime, Amazon FreeTime Unlimited, Fire Kids Edition tablet, and Echo Dot Kids Edition. Kurt is a seasoned global business leader with experience in the US,...show more

Featured in: Voice Voice Revolution


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Jennifer Bennett

VP, Global Licensing

Spin Master


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Martina Berninger

Managing Director, Germany

BTI Studios

Martina is MD of BTI Studios Germany, part of BTI’s network of global facilities creating dubbing and subtitling for kids’ content. Martina and her team help producers and distributors launch their productions successfully in new markets. Martina is passionate about nourishing BTI’s pool of talent; from child actors and singers...show more

Featured in: Dubs and Subs: What you need to know about localization



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Brenda Bisner

Chief Content Officer

Kidoodle.TV (A Parent Media Co. Inc.)

BRENDA BISNER is the Senior Vice President of Content and Business Development for A Parent Media Co Inc. the creators of the SAFE STREAMING Platform: Kidoodle.TV®. She is an integral force behind the successful acquisition of top children’s media content from around the world, as well as a future caster...show more

Featured in: Safer Harbors: Assessing alternatives in an AVOD future


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Michael Blum

Owner & CCO

Pipsqueak Animation

 Mike Blum owns the boutique, animation studio, Pipsqueak Animation and is a sought after speaker who lectures around the world about animation-related topics. He is also an Emmy-nominated director and has won many awards in his multiple capacities as director, writer and producer. Mike’s teams at Pipsqueak Films have completed...show more

Featured in: Brainpick


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Jules Borkent

EVP, Kids & Family

Viacom International Media Network


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Brittni Bowering

Head of Media

AJ&Smart

Brittni Bowering is the Head of Media at AJ&Smart. It’s her job to teach members of our online community (Youtube, Facebook & Instagram) new ways of working, particularly in Design Sprints. She’s often the face of our daily Instagram stories, which aim to give a genuine inside look at how...show more

Featured in: KEYNOTE—Hitting the Finish Line Faster: Developing the Design Sprint way


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Maud Branly

Director, Children's Acquisitions & International TV Channels Programming

Lagardère Active

Maud Branly holds a B.A. in Modern Literature from Sorbonne Nouvelle University and a H.N.D of Audiovisual Production from Efficom. She began her career at Patrick Spica Production where she was in charge of production scheduling. In December 2006, she became EMEA Sales Coordinatoor for Dic Entertainment/Cookie Jar. Then she...show more

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Caroline Cochaux & Maud Branly, Gulli & Lagardère Active; Speed Pitching 1; Speed Pitching 2


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Johanne Broadfield

VP, Cartoon Network Enterprises EMEA & International Strategy

Turner Broadcasting

Johanne Broadfield is Turner’s Vice President of Cartoon Network Enterprises EMEA & International Strategy. Working in conjunction with the global Turner CNE team, she develops and directs brand extension strategies across all categories of licensing for Turner’s franchise brands in the region. She oversees a business unit responsible for product...show more

Featured in: Beyond the Screen: The future is LIVE!


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Marty Brochstein

SVP, Industry Relations and Information

LIMA

Marty Brochstein is responsible for LIMA’s information resources, as well as many of its educational efforts, such as the year-round webinar program and the extensive Licensing University seminar program that takes place each year in conjunction with the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas. He also oversees LIMA’s publishing operations, including...show more

Featured in: The Brave New World of Toy Retail


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Hedda Bruessing

Head of Media Business

NTR

Hedda Bruessing has been in the film and television industry for over twenty years and has worked as a production manager and executive producer for a wide range of programmes. Since 2007 she is employed by the public service broadcaster NTR, first as an executive producer for the children´s department and...show more

Featured in: Speed Pitching 1; Speed Pitching 2



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Massimo Bruno

Director, TV Channels

De Agostini Editore Spa

Massimo Bruno is the Director of TV Channels at De Agostini Editore in Italy, where he runs DeAKids, DeAJunior as well as Super! dedicated to Italian kids and tweens. Super! is part of the recent joint venture agreement between De Agostini Editore and Viacom International Media Networks Italia.

Massimo started his professional...show more

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Massimo Bruno & Brenda Maffuchi, DeAKids


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Beth Cannon

VP of Development

DreamWorks Animation Television

Beth Cannon is Vice President of Development for DreamWorks Animation Television. She oversees all aspects of creative direction from inception, through development, and into current series production for a rapidly growing slate of original television projects. She reports to Executive Vice President of TV development, Peter Gal, and is part...show more

Featured in: Speed Pitching 3; Speed Pitching 4


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Bruna Capozzoli

Head of Creative Content

Popcorn Digital

Bruna Capozzoli heads up CAKE’s digital division, Popcorn Digital. As Creative Director, she provides creative solutions for kids’ entertainment brands establishing and expanding their presence in the digital space. 

Applying her solid experience in content creation and audience development as well as a diverse background in film-making and theatre, Bruna works with leading kids’...show more

Featured in: Beyond the Clip: Doing it better on YouTube; SOLD OUT!—MASTER CLASS—Landscape of Digital: Navigating the hottest models


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Lana Castleman

Director, Marketing & Communications

Writers Guild of Canada

Lana Castleman is the newly minted Director of Communications for the Writers Guild of Canada, which represents more than 2,200 professional English-language screenwriters in Canada, creators of entertainment watched around the world. She oversees all internal and external communications priorities for the Guild, including advocating on behalf of its members...show more

Featured in: New-Wave Damage Control; Swimming in the Deep End of the Talent Pool


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Scott Chambers

SVP, North America Media and Licensing

Sesame Workshop

Scott Chambers serves as Senior Vice President, North America Media & Licensing at Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street. He is responsible for supervising all aspects of the digital, traditional, and mobile media businesses for North America, including publishing, interactive, television, home video and audio. Chambers joined Sesame Workshop...show more

Featured in: Beyond the Clip: Doing it better on YouTube; Retail Battle Royale: Is a global or regional strategy best for your brand?


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Kathi Chandler-Payatt

Executive Director, Media Analyst

THE NPD GROUP

Kathi Chandler-Payatt is the Executive Director and Entertainment Industry Analyst for the Media Entertainment Practice at The NPD Group, a market research firm providing consumer data and advisory to the world’s most influential companies. Previously, Ms. Chandler-Payatt spent three years at 20th Century FOX TV Distribution as the Executive Director...show more

Featured in: KidWatch: Key insights on modern kid viewing and spending


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Sarah Chatelain

Producer

Echo Media

Sarah is a brand management specialist with strong expertise in marketing, communications and business development. Before joining Echo Media, she acted as National Marketing Director at Quebecor, leading all strategic marketing operations for TVA Publications' family of brands (ELLE Canada, Canadian Living, The Hockey News, etc.) and as a member...show more

Featured in: Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby: Broaching the birds and bees through entertainment


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Renee Cherow-O'Leary, PhD

President (Expert in Education Consulting)

Education For The 21st Century

Featured in: Brainpick


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Greg Childs

Editorial Director

The Children's Media Conference



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Sarah Chumsky

Consultant

Insight Strategy Group

Sarah is known by her colleagues as an improver of things. As the head of the Kids department at Insight Strategy Group, she guides a team that talks to kids and parents every day, on subjects ranging from action figures and media to potty training and playgrounds. As such, she...show more

Featured in: The Influence of Influencers


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Jesse Cleverly

Creative Director

Wildseed Studios

Wildseed Studios is a next-generation media company which enables emerging talent to create fantastic new entertainment IPs’s by investing directly into the development and production of their ideas. Wildseed invests multiple small amounts into piloting new scripted IP and then seeks premium platform and brand partners to grow selected properties.

Since launching...show more

Featured in: Safer Harbors: Assessing alternatives in an AVOD future


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Rick Clodfelter

Executive Director, Content Acquisitions & Partnerships

Universal Kids

Rick Clodfelter is the Senior Director of Content Strategy and Acquisitions for Universal Kids, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment’s network for kids 2-12. In his role, Clodfelter sources and acquires programming and identifies content partnerships necessary to build the channel brands across all platforms. He also assists with the long term strategic...show more

Featured in: Cocktails with... Karen Miller, Rick Clodfelter & Kristofer Updike, Universal Kids


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Caroline Cochaux

Producer

Gulli - Canal J

Caroline Cochaux served as Executive Director of Jamel Debouze's production company Kissman Productions, then as Executive Director of Cultural Affairs at FNAC from 2006 through 2009.

In February 2011, she joined Lagardère Active group and served as Deputy Program Director of Europe 1 Radio. In February 2013, she became Programs and Broadcast Director...show more

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Caroline Cochaux & Maud Branly, Gulli & Lagardère Active


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Tony Collingwood

Managing Director & Writer

Collingwood & Co.

Tony Collingwood trained as an animator at The UK’s National Film and Television School. After which he formed his own animation studio, currently called Collingwood & Co.  He has been creating, writing and directing animated television series for children for over 25 years, winning multiple awards along the way, including...show more

Featured in: SOLD OUT!—MENTOR CLASS—Next-Level Pitching: Getting buy-in every time


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Dylan Collins

CEO

SuperAwesome

Dylan Collins is one of Europe’s most experienced digital media entrepreneurs.

He is CEO of SuperAwesome, the technology company which powers kid-safe digital engagement for hundreds of companies with over half a billion children every month. The pioneering company behind the kidtech industry, SuperAwesome operates at the intersection of digital privacy...show more

Featured in: Safer Harbors: Assessing alternatives in an AVOD future


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Vince Commisso

President & CEO

9 Story Media Group

Vince Commisso is President & CEO of 9 Story Media Group, one of the industry’s leading creators, producers and distributors of top quality content for young audiences around the world. With facilities in Toronto, New York, Dublin and Manchester, the 9 Story family of companies has produced over 3,000 episodes of best-in-class kids...show more

Featured in: Swimming in the Deep End of the Talent Pool


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Dena Curtis

Producer & Director

Inkey Media

With twenty years’ experience in the film and television industry, Dena has broad experience in Production with Editing, Writing, Directing and Producing Credits. Dena has also worked at National Indigenous Television and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Working across a broad range of documentary, factual and drama projects as both creative...show more

Featured in: Inclusion is Expansion: Indigenous representation done right


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Francis Dahl

Director, International Game & App Production

Nickelodeon

Francis Dahl is the Director of International Game and App Production at Nickelodeon, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN). He has executive produced several game titles for global Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. IP including SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol, Dora the Explorer, and Nella the Princess Knight. In his role he focuses...show more

Featured in: Lunching with... Digital Media Experts


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Christian Dankl

Co-Founder & Chairman (Expert in YouTube Compliance)

Precise TV

Featured in: Brainpick



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Jens de Pedro

Creative Director

Codie LLC


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Tiphaine de&nbspRaguenel

Director of Editorial Strategy

France Télévisions

After graduating from the IEP in Paris,Tiphaine de Raguenelstarted out as Key Account Manager then Key Account Executive at Carat/Aegis Media.

She joined Lagardère Active in 2006 as Marketing Research Manager for TiJi, CANAL J, Filles TV and Gulli, then became Marketing and New Media Manager.

She moved to France Télévisions in...show more

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Tiphaine de Raguenel, France Télévisions; Cocktails with... Tiphaine de Raguenel, Claire Heinrich & Pierre Siracusa, France Télévisions; Speed Pitching 1; Defined by Change: Public broadcasting speeds up to keep up



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Sara DeWitt

SVP & General Manager

PBS KIDS

As Vice President of PBS KIDS Digital, Sara DeWitt oversees day-to-day development of PBS’ multiplatform content for kids and families.

Over the last 19 years, DeWitt has worked at the forefront of new platforms, in an effort to be everywhere kids are: from websites and mobiles apps to streaming video, augmented...show more

Featured in: Lunching with... Digital Media Experts; Inclusion is Expansion: Creating content that spans the spectrum


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Genevieve Dexter

Founder & CEO

Serious Lunch

Genevieve has worked in the kids IP sector for 30 years and is CEO of both Serious Lunch, a distribution company, and Eye Present, a London based animation studio.  She is also known for having founded CAKE which she sold to Zinkia in 2010.

Serious Lunch represents a portfolio of high...show more

Featured in: Brainpick


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Jeremy Dickson

Features & Special Projects Editor

Kidscreen

As Features Editor for Kidscreen at Brunico Communications, Jeremy Dickson is responsible for covering all areas of the global children’s entertainment industry including broadcasting, distribution, production, digital content, video games, technology, publishing and consumer products. Prior to his current role, Jeremy was Kidscreen’s senior online writer and editor of iKids, a brand focused on...show more

Featured in: Dubs and Subs: What you need to know about localization; Time to Recharge: Powering up the pillars of international co-pros; Keeping it Tight: Tips and tricks for managing a small production budget


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Frank Dietz

Head of Acquisitions &
Co-Productions

SUPER RTL/RTL DISNEY Fernsehen GmbH & Co.KG

Frank Dietz joined Super RTL in 2000 and currently manages the channel’s programming supply for daytime and primetime, as well as content for off-air platforms such as merchandising, mobile and online services. Super RTL is Europe’s leader in children’s television and is jointly owned by RTL Group and Walt Disney...show more

Featured in: Cocktails with... Frank Dietz, Super RTL


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Kristin DiQuollo

Supervising Producer

Fred Rogers Productions

As executive producer and story editor of Cyberchase, Kristin DiQuollo leads production on broadcast and digital content for the Emmy Award-winning animated PBS KIDS series, now in production on its 12th season. She helped spearhead Cyberchase’s expansion on digital platforms, including strategies for accessibility, as well as Cyberchase’s evolution as a series focusing...show more

Featured in: Inclusion is Expansion: Creating content that spans the spectrum


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Libbie Doherty

Head of ABC Children & Family

ABC Australia

Libbie Doherty is a passionate advocate for Children’s content and brings a wealth of experience from the animation and live action worlds to the position of Commissioning Editor. Libbie is focused on nurturing new Australian talent, reflecting Australian kids’ lives and creating pathways for Australian kids’ content to cut through into...show more

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Libbie Doherty, ABC Australia; Inclusion is Expansion: Indigenous representation done right; Speed Pitching 4


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Olivier Dumont

President, Hasbro Entertainment

Entertainment One Family & Brands

Olivier Dumont is the President of the Family and Brands division at Entertainment One. He oversees all the commercial and creative activities of Entertainment One’s combined kid, family and licensing operations including development, production, sales, licensing and merchandising and is responsible for developing properties into global TV, Home Entertainment, New...show more

Featured in: New-Wave Damage Control; Beyond the Screen: The future is LIVE!; Eastern Expansion: How to do deals and expand brands in China


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Joey Egger

Executive Director, Games & Emerging Technology (APAC)

Two Moos

Joey heads up Two Moos, a digital studio crew made up of marvelous kids content specialists, outstanding engineers, stunning creatives, exceptional artists & animators and a veritable selection of smelly pets.

We love creating games, innovation experiences and content for kids of all ages with leading kids' media companies including PBS...show more

Featured in: Brainpick


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Natalie Engel

Development Consultant, Writer, Producer

PBS KIDS

As Associate Director of Development, Natalie works closely with series creators from pitch to pilot, helping shape their projects for the PBS KIDS audience.  She is also the production executive on several current series, including Odd Squard and Pinkalicious & Peterrific. At PBS since 2009, Natalie served on the KIDS Marketing team before...show more

Featured in: Cocktails with... Natalie Engel, Tommy Gillespie & Linda Simensky, PBS KIDS; Speed Pitching 3; Speed Pitching 4


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Pato Escala

Executive Producer

Punkrobot Studios

Academy award winner, executive producer in Punkrobot animation studio and President of the Chilean Animation Association. My goal is to create quality animation from Latin America to the world.

Featured in: Swipe Right for Co-Production Partners


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KC Estenson

CEO

GoNoodle, Inc.

KC is the CEO of GoNoodle. GoNoodle is a transformational kids’ media and tech platform that gets kids moving and mindful, so they can be their smartest, silliest, strongest, bravest, bestest selves!

 

Also an entrepreneur, board member and start-up advisor.

 

Prior running GoNoodle, KC founded Ametora Inc., a media consultancy. Before that,...show more

Featured in: Making the Grade: A look at cracking into the in-school market


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Matthew Evans

EVP, Digital

Viacom Nickelodeon Consumer Products

Matthew Evans is the Executive Vice President, Digital and New Business, for Nickelodeon. In this role, Matthew oversees Nickelodeon’s direct-to-consumer and new business initiatives. Evans has led strategy, product, programming, content, partnerships and operations for the Nickelodeon digital portfolio, which includes the NOGGIN subscription service, mobile games, voice products, and...show more

Featured in: Lunching with... Digital Media Experts


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Ken Faier

CEO & El Presidente

Epic Story Media

Ken Faier is El Presidente and CEO of Epic Story Media and its subsidiary Epic Story Interactive. The mission for both companies is to put creators at the center of compelling and engaging franchises for kids. Who doesn't remember that feeling we all had as a child when we fell...show more

Featured in: Coding is the New Black


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Frank Falcone

President & Executive Creative Director

Guru Studio


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Qing Fan

Producer

Tencent Video

Qing Fan is the Producer overseeing the international business including content investment, co-production and distribution at Tencent Video Kids Channel.

Before joining Tencent, Qing was Associate Director of International Business at UYoung Media, where she was responsible for acquisition, distribution and co-production. She was actively involved in the international distribution of...show more

Featured in: Cocktails with... Angel Geng & Qing Fan, Tencent Video; 30 Minutes with... Angel Geng & Qing Fan, Tencent Video


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Luca Fiore

Director of Content

Azoomee

Luca Fiore is Head of Media and Education at Azoomee. He manages the acquisition, production and programming of video and game content for the mixed media mobile service, applying his knowledge of child development and learning to the service’s content and digital strategy.

Luca’s background includes studies in developmental psychology and...show more

Featured in: Lunching with... Digital Media Experts


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Morghan Fortier

CEO & Co-Owner

Skyship Entertainment/Tinman Creative Studios

Morghan Fortier is the Co-Owner and CEO of Toronto-based Skyship Entertainment™, an award-winning, digital-first production studio focused on original series and song content for preschoolers and school-aged audiences.

Skyship’s YouTube channels (including Super Simple Songs, Super Simple TV, and Super Simple ABCs) reach over 14.5 million global subscribers with over 15...show more

Featured in: Keeping it Tight: Tips and tricks for managing a small production budget


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Robert Fortuijn

Head of Kids Programming

NPO

Recently started as Head of the Dutch Public Broadcasting company’s children’s brands Zapp and Zappelin, ages 3 to 12. I have a passion for providing the best quality content for kids. Nice to meet you.

 

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Robert Fortuijn, ZAPP/NPO


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Elizabeth Foster

.

Kidscreen

As Kidscreen’s Copy Chief & Special Reports Editor, Elizabeth Foster is responsible for the creation and production of special reports and for the production flow of the print magazine. Career highlights include meeting Chris Kratt and breaking news on consumer products trends. Prior to joining Kidscreen, Elizabeth served as a...show more

Featured in: Sprinting to Shelf: How to keep pace with direct-to-consumer platforms; Retail Battle Royale: Is a global or regional strategy best for your brand?


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Amy Friedman

Founder & President

Redhead Consulting

Amy Friedman is the Founder and President of Redhead Consulting, a brand creation and content development company across all media, with a focus on kids, teens, and families. Clients include Scholastic, Viacom, and Sesame Workshop.  

Most recently, Amy served as the Senior Vice President of Programming & Development for NBCU Sprout...show more

Featured in: Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby: Broaching the birds and bees through entertainment; The Best Stuff You’ve Never Seen


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Donna Friedman Meir

CEO & Founder

WOW Explorations

I discovered my passion for kids and family entertainment while still almost a kid myself. Inspired by working at Disney and Kids America (a national kids radio show) during college, I focused my undergraduate thesis on how to build meaningful and impactful content for kids. Since then, my entire career...show more

Featured in: Beyond the Screen: The future is LIVE!


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Peter Gal

Chief Creative Officer, Television

DreamWorks Animation TV

As Executive Vice President of Development for DreamWorks Animation Television, Gal oversees the creative development of a rapidly growing slate of original television projects, including the content for DWA TV’s groundbreaking multi-year deal with Netflix as well as Amazon, Hulu, Universal Kids and other leading broadcasters around the world. As...show more

Featured in: Death of Reboots? Exploring the future of nostalgia in a fractured media reality


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Edward Galton

CEO

CAKE

A veteran distribution professional with over 20 years experience, Ed is the Managing Director and CCO at CAKE. In this dual role, he oversees all sales operations, the day-to-day running of the company, as well as directly selling CAKE's growing content portfolio in major territories including North America, the UK...show more

Featured in: SOLD OUT!—MASTER CLASS—Landscape of Digital: Navigating the hottest models; Distribution Deadlock: Selling kids content in a shifting marketplace


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Dominic Gardiner

CEO & Founder

Jetpack Distribution

Dominic is the chief executive officer (CEO) of kids and family content distribution company JETPACK DISTRIBUTION LTD. He founded the company in 2014 with studio production partner Samka Productions and it has gone on to become a leading distributor of global kids shows including Dennis & Gnasher Unleashed,The Cul de...show more

Featured in: Brainpick


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Angel Geng

Producer, Tencent Video Kids

Tencent Video

Angel Geng has been with Tencent since 2014. She started at Animation Channel, where she was responsible for promotion, data analysis and license operation for animation content targeting at youth group.

She joined Kids Channel in 2016, looking after the production and investment of kids’ content.

Taking advantage of Tencent platform’s big...show more

Featured in: Cocktails with... Angel Geng & Qing Fan, Tencent Video; 30 Minutes with... Angel Geng & Qing Fan, Tencent Video; Speed Pitching 3; Speed Pitching 2



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Tommy Gillespie

Senior Director, Content Production

PBS KIDS

Tommy is Assistant Director of Children’s Programming at PBS where he oversees the strategic rollout of PBS KIDS video content, including the new 24/7 PBS KIDS channel. This year, he developed and launched PBS KIDS Family Night, a weekend destination block for kids and parents that airs on PBS stations,...show more

Featured in: Speed Pitching 1; Speed Pitching 2; Cocktails with... Natalie Engel, Tommy Gillespie & Linda Simensky, PBS KIDS


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Jon Gisby

Chair

WildBrain

Jon Gisby, Managing Director, WildBrain, has spent twenty years leading, building and advising major companies that create and distribute premium digital content. He was one of the many architects of the BBC’s strategy for online and on-demand services. As Managing Director of Freeserve, he built and monetized one of the...show more

Featured in: Lunching with... Digital Media Experts


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Christophe Goldberger

Managing Director

GoldBee

With nearly 20 years experience in the kids industry working in Canada, France and Spain, Christophe Goldberger is Managing Director at Barcelona based GoldBee. The company specializes in the production, management and international distribution of kids and family properties and brands.

Prior to GoldBee, Christophe was Producer and Head of Sales...show more

Featured in: Brainpick


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Richard Goldsmith

President, Global Distribution & Consumer Products

Cyber Group Studios USA LLC

Richard Goldsmith is a prolific executive in family entertainment who has led media distribution, consumer products, production financing and business development for major entertainment brands at The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros., The Jim Henson Company and Univision Communications.

In January 2017, Richard opened the North American subsidiary, based in Los...show more

Featured in: SOLD OUT!—MASTER CLASS—Landscape of Digital: Navigating the hottest models; Distribution Deadlock: Selling kids content in a shifting marketplace


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Sharon Gomes

Head of Production

Little Airplane Productions / Studio 100

A multiple Emmy Award winner, Sharon oversees production, distribution, licensing and business development at Little Airplane Productions.  Sharon has produced for channels such as Disney-ABC Television, MTV, VH1, PBS, Nickelodeon and Disney.  She also appeared on the cover of Newsweek magazine.

Featured in: Coding is the New Black; Eastern Expansion: How to do deals and expand brands in China


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Cheryl Gotthelf

Founder & President

Cheryl Gotthelf Consulting

Well-known and respected throughout the education, research, and entertainment communities, Cheryl Gotthelf is an accomplished curriculum and content developer, brand builder, and marketer of children’s media products that are entertaining, educational, and relevant to children’s lives.  Her practice sits squarely in the space where entertainment, education, and play intersect and...show more

Featured in: What Little Boys Are Made Of; SOLD OUT! - MENTOR CLASS—Demographic Targeting: How to find your sweet spot


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Jane Gould

Co-Founder & Partner Wonderworks Insights

Disney

Jane Gould, an accomplished leader in generational, lifestyle and media research, serves as senior vice president, Consumer Insights and Programming Strategy, for Disney|ABC Television’s Disney branded cable networks – Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, and Radio Disney.

In this role, she has oversight of all consumer insight, research and analytic...show more

Featured in: Friends to the End with Disney


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Bill Graham

President

PhatMojo, LLC

Bill Graham serves as PhatMojo's Chief Business Development Officer.  In this capacity, Graham leads the LA-based toy company's brand evaluation, licensing, and marketing, globally.

 

Prior to joining PhatMojo, Graham was VP of Business Development for Jazwares, LLC.  During his 3 years there, he led the global launch and development of their...show more

Featured in: Sprinting to Shelf: How to keep pace with direct-to-consumer platforms


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Ashley Gramby

Senior Marketing Manager

Girls Who Code

Ashley is the Senior Marketing Manager at Girls Who Code; a non-profit organization working to close the gender gap in technology. Ashley is responsible for managing the brand identity for the organization. Before joining the organization Ashley worked in advertising for global brands such as IBM, Exxon Mobil, The White House,...show more

Featured in: Coding is the New Black


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Linda Granath

Head of Acquisitions, Children's Content

SVT Swedish Television

Featured in: Speed Pitching 3


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Josie Grierson

Director Original Content Pre School Family Brands

Entertainment One Family & Brands


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James Chen Gu

General Manager, Animation Studio

UYOUNG


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Sarah Haasz

Producer

Federation Kids & Family


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Nina Hahn

President

Nickelodeon

As Senior Vice President, International Production & Development, Nina Hahn oversees international content development and co-production partnerships for Nickelodeon outside of the US. 

Based in London, Hahn coordinates and drives the development process, spearheading new production models, managing productions from pilot through to series, and working in direct partnership with Nickelodeon’s...show more

Featured in: Cocktails with... Nina Hahn, Layla Lewis & Migdalis Silva, Nickelodeon; Deconstructing Kid Humor


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Meredith Halpern-Ranzer

Chief Executive Tinkerer

Tinkercast

Meredith Halpern-Ranzer is an Emmy-nominated children’s media executive and the Co-founder and Chief Executive Tinkerer at Tinkercast, the company behind #1 kids podcast Wow in the World.  Previously, Meredith has a key member of the start-up team responsible for building the brand of Sprout, from the network’s launch in 2005...show more

Featured in: Brainpick


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Anttu Harlin

CEO, Co-Founder

Gigglebug Entertainment

Anttu Harlin is the co-founder and CEO of Gigglebug Entertainment, an animation IP studio that creates and produces positive kids' content for the global market. The Helsinki based company's mission is to have a meaningful impact on the world through fun filled entertainment on multiple platforms.

In recent news, Gigglebug Entertainment is proud...show more

Featured in: Deconstructing Kid Humor


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Greg Harman

CEO

Mechanic Animation


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Emily Hart

SVP Development

Disney Channels

Emily Hart is vice president, Original Programming, Disney Channels. In her role, she oversees series' development of original and Disney heritage-based television properties for the Disney Junior and Disney Channel audiences of kids 2-7 and 6-11, respectively.

Hart joined Disney in 2003. During her tenure, she has worked as a production...show more

Featured in: Cocktails with... Alyssa Sapire & Emily Hart, Disney Channels; 30 Minutes with... Alyssa Sapire & Emily Hart, Disney Channels; Speed Pitching 2


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Claire Heinrich

Head of Acquisitions, Children's & Youth Department

France Télévisions

In her current role within the Children and Youth Unit, Claire Heinrich selects, negotiates and oversees all acquisitions for France Televisions’ channels and digital platforms. She joined the public broadcast company in 1994, managing legal and business affairs for France 2’s co-production drama and documentary units. She held various positions...show more

Featured in: Cocktails with... Tiphaine de Raguenel, Claire Heinrich & Pierre Siracusa, France Télévisions; Speed Pitching 4


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Michele Hennessy

Senior Creative Executive, Preschool

Amazon Studios

Michele Hennessy (aka Jabloner-Weiss) is a Development Executive for Amazon Prime Video creating award-winning shows and the Current Series Executive for Pete the Cat, The Stinky and Dirty show, and the upcoming Do, Re, Mi series. Prior to that, she was a Producer for Warner Brothers Animation where she developed...show more

Featured in: Cocktails with... Michele Hennessy & Aaron Davidson, Amazon Studios; Speed Pitching 1


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Patricia Hidalgo

Director of Children’s & Education

Turner

Patricia Hidalgo is Chief Content Officer EMEA and International Kids Strategy for Turner. In this role, she acts as Turner’s editorial head for its strong portfolio of kids’ content and channel brands across EMEA including Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Boing and Cartoonito – as well as representing Turner International with the...show more

Featured in: Deconstructing Kid Humor


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Bob Higgins

President

Boat Rocker Studios

A long-time champion of children’s programming, Bob oversees the creative direction for Boat Rocker Media’s Kids and Family business, including development, production and acquisitions of TV and digital programming.  Current programming includes The Next Step, Remy & Boo, Kingdom Force, Love Monster and Bitz and Bob.

Before Boat Rocker, Bob served...show more

Featured in: Death of Reboots? Exploring the future of nostalgia in a fractured media reality


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Hollie Holmes

VP, Global Licensing

Mattel

Hollie Holmes has over 20 years of experience in the Toy, Entertainment, Video Game, Retail and Manufacturing industries, across start-ups to Fortune 500 companies.  Hollie currently serves as Senior Director, Strategic Development: Global Entertainment and Licensing Partnerships, overseeing the evaluation and acquisition of all new properties for Mattel’s portfolio of...show more

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Kelly Hur

Partner, Head of Creative

Doobry Group

Kelly is a market research expert with over a decade of experience in developing media and marketing strategies based on viewer/audience insights. She is a partner at Doobry Group, an entertainment franchise strategy consulting firm, and she has designed and conducted numerous focus groups and surveys for corporate studio clients,...show more

Featured in: Brainpick


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Henrietta Hurford-Jones

Creative Director, Production, Indie Partnerships

BBC Studios

Henrietta Hurford-Jones is Director of Children’s at BBC Worldwide.  She is responsible for commissioning and developing original programme content for the global CBeebies Channels and other branded services, as well as managing the global investment process for all children’s programming and brand properties across the BBC’s commercial arm. 

Henrietta joined BBC...show more

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Henrietta Hurford-Jones, BBC Studios; Cocktails with... Henrietta Hurford-Jones, BBC Studios


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Maarten Janssen

Head of Kids & Youth VRT (Ketnet)

VRT-Vlaamse Radio en Televisie


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Princess Johnson

Creative Producer

WGBH

Princess Daazhraii Johnson is Neets’aii Gwich’in and her family is from Arctic Village, Alaska. Princess is a Sundance Fellow for the Filmmakers, Producers and Screenwriters Lab, and an Emerging Voices Rosenthal Fellow with the PEN Center. She has been a member of the SAG-AFTRA Native American Committee since 2007 and...show more

Featured in: Inclusion is Expansion: Indigenous representation done right


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Matt Kaplowitz

CEO and Chief Creative Officer

Bridge Multimedia

Matthew Kaplowitz is the parent of a child with disabilities, a jazz aficionado, social entrepreneur and President of Bridge Multimedia, accessibility providers and strategists for television networks, educational publishers, architectural companies, government agencies, corporations, non-profits, and foundations investing in socially progressive initiatives. Kaplowitz founded Bridge in 2002 with the conviction that...show more

Featured in: Inclusion is Expansion: Creating content that spans the spectrum


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Andrew Kavanagh

CEO & Founder

Kavaleer Productions

Andrew Kavanagh is the Founder and CEO of Kavaleer Productions. Heading up Kavaleer's slate, he is the creator / executive producer of Garth & Bev (CBeebies / RTE) , Wildernuts (RTE / Tiny Pop), Kiva Can Do! (Nickelodeon /RTE) and the forthcoming Alva & the Trolls (RTE / Sky). Andrew...show more

Featured in: What Little Boys Are Made Of


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Christopher Keenan

Independent Producer

Mattel Creations

Christopher Keenan is a highly accomplished creative executive, executive producer and writer who has enjoyed over twenty five years of success in the animation, kids and family entertainment industries.  With thousands of hours of production to his credit, he is equally adept at development, sales and production.  Animation magazine has...show more

Featured in: New-Wave Damage Control


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Heath Kenny

Founder, You and Eye Creative & Virtual CCO, Mercury Filmworks

U and Eye Creative

Starting from the ground up and with more than 18 years of experience in the animation biz, Heath is a creative executive with an extensive knowledge of animation production and the dark arts of developing a project from mind vomit into your next potential hit. After escaping the island of...show more

Featured in: SOLD OUT!—MASTER CLASS—Pre-Development Jam: Nine steps to better creative collaboration


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Angus Killick

VP, Associate Publisher

Macmillan Children's Publishing Group


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Telidja Klaï

Content Manager (Ketnet)

VRT-Vlaamse Radio en Televisie

Telidja Klaï, PHD in Clinical and Developmental Child Psychology joined Ketnet in 2009. Telidja is responsible for program acquisitions and coproductions animation. Furthermore, the main thrust of her activities is the development of children and Ketnet’s vision and values and programming strategies.

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Telidja Klai & Maarten Janssen, VRT; Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby: Broaching the birds and bees through entertainment


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David Kleeman

SVP, Global Trends

Dubit Ltd.

Strategist, analyst, author, speaker, connector — David Kleeman has led the children’s media industry in developing sustainable, child-friendly practices for more than 30 years. He began this work as president of the American Center for Children and Media and is now Senior Vice President of Global Trends for Dubit, a...show more

Featured in: What Little Boys Are Made Of


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Tatiana Kober

President

Bejuba!

Tatiana started Bejuba! Entertainment 14 years ago to specialize in the executive production, and distribution of children’s and family entertainment across all platforms.  Today the company has over 500 half hours of programming with shows like Wishfart, Ruff-Ruff, Tweet and Dave, Origanimals, The Hive, Big Block SingSong and Where in...show more

Featured in: Swipe Right for Co-Production Partners; Brainpick


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Pam Kunick-Cohen

Head of Brand Management, Licensing & Merchandising

Technicolor

Pam Kunick-Cohen is an accomplished strategic marketing and business development executive with over 20 years of senior management experience at companies including Technicolor, Disney, Twentieth Century Fox and HIT Entertainment.  Currently Pam is Head of Brand Management, Licensing & Merchandising at Technicolor’s Animation and Games division.  Prior to that, she...show more

Featured in: Retail Battle Royale: Is a global or regional strategy best for your brand?; Sprinting to Shelf: How to keep pace with direct-to-consumer platforms


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Christian Kurz

SVP, Global Consumer Insights

Viacom Media Networks


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Yann Labasque

Director, Youth Programming

TF1 SA

Yann Labasque joined Eurosport International in 1997 at the Audiences and Programming Research department.  Two years later he became a Programme Buyer and Project Manager for Eurosport International Senior Management.

He joined TF1 Games-Dujardin in 2001 where he headed the editorial team and developed the catalogue.  In parallel with his professional...show more

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Yann Labasque, TFI



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Sunny Lauridsen

Sr. Vice President Brand Strategy + Marketing

Just Play


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Craig Lauzon

Actor / Comedian

Craig Lauzon is well known to television audiences as a comedic actor on AIR FARCE. He made his first appearance on AIR FARCE in October 2002, and became a regular in September 2004. His send-ups of Canadian political figures and cultural icons are spot-on and hilarious. Some of his most memorable characters...show more

Featured in: Kidscreen Awards and After-Party (Xilam Bayfront Ballroom)


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Joe Lawson

SVP Content & Brand Development

Rovio Entertainment

Joe Lawson is Head of Content Licensing for Rovio Entertainment's Brand Licensing Unit, where he oversees licensing of the Angry Birds IP for movies, television, live shows and location-based entertainment as well as entertainment content development and production.  Upcoming Angry Birds projects include The Angry Birds Movie 2, releasing August...show more

Featured in: Lunching with... Licensing Experts


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Susie Lecker

President

Spin Master

Susie Lecker was appointed Executive Vice President, Global Licensing in 2018, bringing over 20 years experience in the toy industry to Spin Master. Susie started her career in marketing working for Weston Bakeries, Canada’s largest commercial baked goods company, and then moved to the health & beauty industry before joining...show more

Featured in: The Brave New World of Toy Retail


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Layla Lewis

SVP, Global Acquisitions & Content Partnerships, Kids & Family Group

Nickelodeon

Layla Lewis is Senior Vice President of Global Acquisitions and Content Partnerships for Nickelodeon. Lewis manages and implements the strategy for all acquisitions for Nickelodeon's 100+ locally programmed channels both domestically and internationally, as well as cultivates partnerships with content distributors and creators from around the globe. Responsible for negotiating,...show more

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Jules Borkent & Layla Lewis, Nickelodeon; Cocktails with... Nina Hahn, Layla Lewis & Migdalis Silva, Nickelodeon


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Anne Loi

EVP M&A and Chief Commercial Officer

DHX Media/Wild Brain

Anne Loi, Chief Commercial Officer, works closely with senior management and the Company’s talented content teams to help drive DHX Media’s leading slate of kids’ and family shows. She oversees content production and financing, key external partnerships, and business analytics. Ms. Loi has been a core member of DHX Media’s...show more

Featured in: Beyond the Clip: Doing it better on YouTube


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Nancy MacIntyre

CEO

Fingerprint Play

Featured in: Brainpick


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Brenda Maffuchi

Chief of Co-Productions, Licensing and Sales Officer

DeAKids

Brenda Maffuchi joined De Agostini Editore in December 2012 as Head of Acquisitions & Property Development; is responsible for analyzing, negotiating and managing all content acquisition and all international co-productions for De Agostini’s channels in Italy. At this role, she also supervises the complete development process for the local and...show more

Featured in: Speed Pitching 1; Speed Pitching 2; 30 Minutes with... Massimo Bruno & Brenda Maffuchi, DeAKids


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Andy Marshall

Director, Business Development

SDI Media UK

Andy joined SDI Media in 2006 having previously worked in a variety of cross-industry business development roles.  Since then Andy has been instrumental in growing SDI Media’s global kid’s content strategy, spanning US, Europe and Asia.  Working with a number of clients across the industry including producers, distributors, IP owners, broadcasters...show more

Featured in: Dubs and Subs: What you need to know about localization


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Helen McAleer

IP, Publishing & Production Consultant

Media Consultancy

Helen McAleer runs a media consultancy specialising in Intellectual Property Management, publishing and TV production. Drawing on almost 30 years experience of the children's sector across all key media, she works with clients including publishing houses Macmillan Children's Books, UK and Macmillan Children's US, Literary agents Lucas Alexander Whitely and...show more

Featured in: Time to Recharge: Powering up the pillars of international co-pros


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Marie McCann

Senior Director, Children's Content

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation


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Scott McCloud

Cartoonist & Author

Scott McCloud is the award-winning author of Understanding Comics, Making Comics, Zot!, and many other fiction and non-fiction comics spanning 30 years. He’s lectured and consulted on comics and digital media for Google, MIT, Pixar, Facebook, and Harvard University. He started the international 24 Hour Comic phenomenon, and his comics...show more

Featured in: KEYNOTE—The Value of Visual: A picture is worth more than 1,000 words now


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Phil McCordic

President

Windy Isle Productions Inc

Phil McCordic is a Toronto based television creator/producer. He has worked for two decades both in front and behind the camera at, and for, TVO, CBC and YTV. He has produced two full television series: Zerby Derby (TVO, Sprout) and Science Max, Experiments at Large (TVO, DaVinci).

...show more

Featured in: Keeping it Tight: Tips and tricks for managing a small production budget


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Tom McGillis

President & Executive Producer

Fresh TV Inc.

Tom McGillis is an executive producer, writer and series creator, specializing in children’s and family entertainment.

He is president and co-founder of Fresh TV, a world leader in creating and producing family entertainment.

Fresh TV develops and produces television content that powerfully connects to kid, tween and teen audiences around the world.

Along...show more

Featured in: New-Wave Damage Control


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Menal McGrath

VP, Global Licensing

Moose Toys


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Gráinne McGuinness

Creative Director

Paper Owl Films

Gráinne is the creator of ‘Pablo’ for CBeebies and RTÉJr., distributed internationally by CAKE. This series is now celebrated all over the world for its timely portrayal of a smart little autistic character. 

Pablo encourages understanding and empathy through funny colourful characters and refreshingly unusual stories.

As Creative Director, Gráinne leads the...show more

Featured in: Inclusion is Expansion: Creating content that spans the spectrum


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Luca Milano

RAI Kids Executive Director

RAI Radiotelevisione Italiana

Luca Milano, manager at RAI Radiotelevisione Italiana, the Italian public broadcaster.

Executive Director of “Rai Ragazzi”, Rai's department for children and kids, controlling 2 free-TV Channels (Rai Yoyo, the leading Italian children's channel, and Rai Gulp), as well as the units for production and co-production of Animation, kids' drama and live shows....show more

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Luca Milano, RAI



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Don Moody

Executive Producer

Moody Studios


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Sarah Muller

Senior Head of Commissioning (7+)

Sony Pictures International Television

Sarah Muller is Vice President of Children’s and Youth Programming (Western Europe International Networks) at Sony Pictures Television with responsibility for the Pop and Sony Music Channels. Prior to that, she was Head of Children’s at Channel 5 where she was responsible for the Milkshake! brand refresh, content portfolio overhaul...show more

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Sarah Muller, Sony Pictures Television; Cocktails with... Sarah Muller, Sony Pictures Television


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Lucy Murphy

Director of Kids Content, UK & ROI

Sky


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Rodrigo Olaio

Executive Producer

Chatrone Latin America

Rodrigo Olaio works as Executive Producer of animation projects and leads the animation arm of Chatrone Latin America.

His work with animation began in 2001, as a producer for the studio Creatura. In 2006, he founded, with three partners, the animation studio Mono, where he worked in content for several platforms,...show more

Featured in: Swipe Right for Co-Production Partners


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Natalie Osborne

Chief Strategy Officer

9 Story Media Group


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Sashim Parmanand

General Manager One Animation Brands

One Animation

Sashim Parmanand is CEO at One Animation, the multi award-winning CG animation studio and creators ofOddbodsandInsectibles. Sashim oversees the day-to-day operations of One Animation, while setting the company’s strategy and direction, modeling its culture and values, and building a solid leadership team. Sashim swiftly transitioned One Animation from animation studio...show more

Featured in: Keeping it Tight: Tips and tricks for managing a small production budget


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Neil Pasricha

Happiness Expert | Bestselling Author

The Institute for Global Happiness

A Harvard MBA, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning blogger, and one of the most popular TED speakers in the world, Neil Pasricha is “a pied piper of happiness” who dazzles audiences with ideas that skyrocket happiness into the stratosphere. With infectious enthusiasm, heartfelt authenticity, and a “what works” authority, Pasricha draws on the...show more

Featured in: KEYNOTE—The Tao of Happiness


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Cecilia Persson

Managing Director, BBC Studios Kids & Family

Turner Broadcasting System EMEA Limited

Cecilia Persson is Vice President of Programming and Content Strategy Turner EMEA Kids, Acquisitions and Co-production International.

In this role, Persson manages and leads programming strategy across EMEA for all Turner’s kids linear and digital platforms including Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Cartoonito and Boing. She also oversees and negotiates shared acquisitions for...show more

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Cecilia Persson, Turner EMEA


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Jamie Piekarz

Content Producer/Creative Consultant

JamPie

Jamie Piekarz is children’s media professional with the unique combination of creative production and broadcast experience that spans all age groups and genres. She currently creates, produces and provides expertise on children’s media through her company JamPie Media for Canadian and international clients. Her original production, Super Mighty Makers for TVO...show more

Featured in: SOLD OUT!—MENTOR CLASS—Next-Level Pitching: Getting buy-in every time


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Adina Pitt

VP, Content Acquisitions, Partnerships &
Co-Productions for the Americas,
Kids & Family

Cartoon Network

Adina Pitt is vice president, content acquisitions and co-productions for Cartoon Network and Boomerang,  In this capacity, Pitt is responsible for identifying, negotiating and acquiring pre-produced series, specials, movies and short-form product that fit the Cartoon Network and Boomerang brands for exposure on all platforms.  She continues to oversee those...show more

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Adina Pitt, Cartoon Network; Using Your Powers for Good


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Susanna Pollack

President

Games for Change

Susanna Pollack is the President of Games for Change, the leading global advocate for the power of games as drivers of social impact. In her role there, she produces the annual Games for Change Festival, the largest gaming event in New York, dubbed by national media as “the Sundance of...show more

Featured in: Using Your Powers for Good


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Gerald Raines

SVP, Global Location Based Experiences

Nickelodeon/Viacom International Media Networks

Gerald Raines is Senior Vice President, Global Location Based Experiences (LBE), Viacom International Media Networks and Nickelodeon.  In this role, Mr. Raines oversees and leads the development and expansion efforts of Viacom’s location-based leisure entertainment business for brands such as Nickelodeon, MTV, VH1 and Comedy Central worldwide.  He is responsible...show more

Featured in: Lunching with... Licensing Experts


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Jillianne Reinseth

Supervising Creative Producer

Entertainment One Family & Brands

As Senior Vice President of Creative Affairs, Jillianne Reinseth is responsible for overseeing the creative elements of all projects in development and production for eOne Family. Since joining the company in 2015, the eOne Family production slate has included Cupcake & Dino: General Services, Ricky Zoom, Ninja Express as well...show more

Featured in: Deconstructing Kid Humor


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Shabnam Rezaei

Co-Founder

Big Bad Boo

Shabnam is the co-founder of Big Bad Boo Animation Studios and Oznoz, an OTT platform for kids.  Oznoz is an ad-free subscription based platform with shows like Franklin, Thomas & Friends, Babar and Super Why offered in 10+ languages. Shabnam has produced many shows including 16 Hudson (TVO), Mixed Nutz,...show more

Featured in: Safer Harbors: Assessing alternatives in an AVOD future; What Little Boys Are Made Of


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Michael Rhattigan

Chief Adventure Officer

Adventure to Learning

A reformed banker turned broadcast owner & operator, Michael had a major family scare that lead him to education. Blessed with an esteemed group of family & friends in education and medicine that he could recruit, Michael launched a story-based program to take kids on journeys around the world, teaching...show more

Featured in: Making the Grade: A look at cracking into the in-school market


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Sep Riahi

CEO

Global Tinker

Sep is the CEO of Global Tinker, a multi-award winning studio focused on harnessing the powers of engaging stories, “maker pedagogy” and mobile technology to inspire a new generation of problem solvers. Global Tinker’s first animated series won best web series at Kidscreen 2018, best global digital series at MIPTV...show more

Featured in: Using Your Powers for Good


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Michael Rinzler

Owner

Wicked Cool Toys


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Peter Robinson

Owner

Dubit

Peter is an experienced consultant, specialising in new technology, kids entertainment, ethical marketing to kids and education (and where possible screwing all those things together). 

Within his role at Dubit he has been able to develop a firm knowledge of young people, their attitudes and behaviour, with...show more

Featured in: The Data of Discoverability


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Mia Rodak

Executive Producer, Digital, CBC Kids

CBC Kids

Mia has worked in digital content and product development for over 17 years with top Canadian media providers Shaw Communications, Canwest, and Alliance Atlantis on several premium brands such as HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, Slice, National Geographic Channel, but most recently she has spent the last 2 years having...show more

Featured in: Lunching with... Digital Media Experts


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Eric S. Rollman

CEO

CEO; Rollman Entertainment; President; Generation Genius

Eric S. Rollman is the President/CEO of Rollman Entertainment and the President/CCO of Generation Genius, an SVOD platform he and partner Dr. Jeff Vinokur launched in 2018 targeting elementary school educators with original, curriculum aligned content. As an independent producer and consultant, this Emmy winner and former Saban, Fox Family...show more

Featured in: Making the Grade: A look at cracking into the in-school market


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Orion Ross

VP Animation

Disney Channels EMEA

Orion Ross joined Disney's London team in 2008, and is responsible for the creative development and production of original animated series for Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior, as well as original content for digital platforms, regional acquisitions and co-productions. 

Current and recent projects include 101 Dalmatian Street, Miraculous Ladybug,...show more

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Orion Ross, Disney Channels EMEA; Deconstructing Kid Humor


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Lesli Rotenberg

Chief Programming Executive & GM, Children's Media & Education

PBS

As Chief Programming Executive and General Manager, Children’s Media and Education, at PBS, Lesli Rotenberg is responsible for the strategic direction of a dynamic media service that supports the entire ecosystem in which children learn, including parents, teachers and the community, helping to prepare the next generation for success in school and in life.

With...show more

Featured in: Defined by Change: Public broadcasting speeds up to keep up


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Trine Ruud

Head of Acquisitions and Dubbing NRK Super

NRK

Trine holds a BA in Teaching as well as a BA in Journalism.

She began her Career working as a teacher and thereafter as a Production Manager  in television production.

Trine joined NRK in 1996 when the Norwegian Public Broadcaster launched NRK2 in which she was part of the development team.

In 2007 Trine was managing...show more

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Trine Ruud, NRK


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Shai Samet

Founder & President

kidSAFE Seal Program

Shai Samet is an experienced and award-winning privacy consultant and entrepreneur.  Shai is currently the founder and president of the kidSAFE Seal Program, a popular safety certification service and seal-of-approval program designed exclusively for children-friendly websites, mobile apps, and connected technologies.  Many well-known brands from around the world are members...show more

Featured in: Brainpick



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Alyssa Cooper Sapire

SVP, Development, Series & Strategy

Disney Channels Worldwide

Alyssa Sapire is Vice President of Original Programming for Disney Channels Worldwide, overseeing a slate of projects for both Disney Junior and Disney Channel. Since 2016, she has shepherded the Muppet Babies reboot, Vampirina, and the new Monsters, Inc series for Disney’s new streaming service. Prior to Disney, Alyssa was VP of Development and Programming...show more

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Alyssa Sapire & Emily Hart, Disney Channels; Cocktails with... Alyssa Sapire & Emily Hart, Disney Channels; Speed Pitching 1


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Vicky Schroderus

Senior Executive, International Co-Productions & Acquisitions

YLE Finland

Vicky Schroderus joined YLE, Finnish Broadcasting Company in 1997 is currently working as Acquisiton Executive for YLE Television. When measured by ratings and audience satisfaction YLE TV2 is the leading channel for children’s programming in Finland. It transmits annually over 1000 hours of children’s programming for a two- to 12-year-old...show more

Featured in: Speed Pitching 4


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Derek Sentner

VP Sales & Business Development

Driver Digital

Derek Sentner, VP of Sales & Business Development at Driver Digital, has spent the last 10 plus years as a business leader in the digital media and entertainment space.  Currently Derek leads Driver’s brand partnerships and Business Development efforts including the monetization and expansion of Driver’s original IP, Cool School, beyond...show more

Featured in: Lunching with... Digital Media Experts


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Stephen Shaw

Co-President

Round Room Entertainment

Stephen is a Co-President of Round Room Entertainment after founding the company in the fall of 2016. Stephen previously served as President of Michael Cohl’s company S2BN Entertainment from 2014 to 2016.

Stephen gained extensive knowledge of the international entertainment industry working for The Rolling Stones’ worldwide tours in 2002 (Licks...show more

Featured in: Beyond the Screen: The future is LIVE!


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Alex Sherwood

CEO/ Head of Development

Giant Animation

Alex is Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer at Giant Animation in Dublin Ireland.

Throughout the company’s development Alex has worked in many areas of the animation pipeline on a diverse range of commercial and in house projects, giving him a wide range of experience when running productions.

Alex Co-Directed 52X11 episodes of...show more

Featured in: Keeping it Tight: Tips and tricks for managing a small production budget


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Migdalis Silva

VP Brand Head Nickelodeon Latin America

Nickelodeon

Migdalis Silva is Vice President of Programming and Acquisitions for Nickelodeon Latin America based in Miami.

In this role, Silva is responsible for developing the programming strategies for all of Nickelodeon Latin America’s platforms and channels in the region including Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Nick 2, Nicktoons, as well as its non-linear platforms,...show more

Featured in: Cocktails with... Nina Hahn, Layla Lewis & Migdalis Silva, Nickelodeon


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Linda Simensky

Head of Animation & Scripted Content

PBS KIDS

As Vice President of Children’s Programming at PBS, Linda Simensky collaborates with producers, co-production partners, PBS station programmers, and distributors throughout the development, production, post-production, and broadcast phases for PBS KIDS programming.  

Since joining PBS in 2003, Linda has worked with renowned producers to develop hit shows ranging from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Wild...show more

Featured in: What Little Boys Are Made Of; Cocktails with... Natalie Engel, Tommy Gillespie & Linda Simensky, PBS KIDS; 30 Minutes with... Linda Simensky, PBS KIDS


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Dave Skwarczek

Writer and Producer

The Cheese Cutting Corporation

Over the past 15 years, Dave has worked internationally as a brand developer, writer, story editor and creative director on broadcast and digital projects for toy companies like Mattel, Saban, Lionel Trains and Spin Master; production companies including Cartoon Saloon, 9 Story, marblemedia, Sesame Workshop and American Greetings; and your...show more

Featured in: Brainpick


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Fonda Snyder

President

Alchemy Ink

Recognized for her achievement in children’s entertainment, Fonda Snyder has developed and sold more than 50 projects worldwide for television networks and major feature film studios Including Sony, Dreamworks, Warner Bros. and 20th Century Fox.  Snyder recently consulted with Toronto based 9 Story Entertainment and served as VP Development & Sales for Rainmaker Entertainment....show more

Featured in: Brainpick


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Ellen Solberg

Director, Content

Hopster

Ellen has overseen the content strategy at Hopster since 2015 and has worked with a range of distribution companies including Entertainment One, DHX, DreamWorks and Sesame Workshop. She has led the development of Hopster’s original content productions and was the executive producer of Two Minutes Tales, Hopster’s popular short-form animation...show more

Featured in: Lunching with... Digital Media Experts


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Géraldine Soto

Head of Acquisitions, Prebuys & Co-Productions, Kids Content

CANAL+, Kids Department


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Philippe Soutter

Founder

PGS Entertainment

Philippe Soutter has been working in the entertainment and media industry for more than 10 years - holding positions in programming, advertising, production and international distribution.

Philippe and Guillaume Soutter co-founded the PGS company in 2008. Their ambition was to provide producers and rights owners an environment entirely dedicated to the...show more

Featured in: Time to Recharge: Powering up the pillars of international co-pros



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Halle Stanford

President of Television, Executive Producer

The Jim Henson Company

A ten-time Emmy®-nominated children’s television producer, Halle Stanford leads the
Company’s development and production of all television, home entertainment, and
digital media in animated and live-action formats. She is currently in production on the
Netflix series The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. Her recent preschool and children’s
programming executive producer...show more

Featured in: Death of Reboots? Exploring the future of nostalgia in a fractured media reality


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Barbara Stephen

Managing Director & CEO

Flying Bark Productions


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Alison Stewart

Children’s Media Consultant and Producer

Alison has worked in Children’s media production for most of her career, at the BBC and also as a freelance Producer, BAFTA nominated Director and Scriptwriter, producing content for ITV, Channel 4 and Sky in the UK.

 

Her most recent role at the BBC was Head of CBeebies Production.  She led...show more

Featured in: Using Your Powers for Good


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Catherine Tait

President & CEO

CBC

As President and CEO, Catherine Tait is responsible for overseeing the management of CBC/Radio-Canada to ensure that Canada's national public broadcaster can deliver on the various aspects of its mandate and continue to offer Canadians a broad spectrum of high quality programming that informs, enlightens and entertains, and that is...show more

Featured in: Defined by Change: Public broadcasting speeds up to keep up


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Alison Taylor

Director of Distribution

Aardman Animations Ltd

Alison has spent most of her professional career at Aardman having joined the studio as the Personal Assistant to the Head of Broadcast and Development in 2004 and then becoming an original team member of Aardman’s International distribution, Aardman Rights and Brand Development as Sales Executive, in 2006.  Since 2016,...show more

Featured in: Distribution Deadlock: Selling kids content in a shifting marketplace


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Loretta Sarah Todd

Producer, Director, Writer & Showrunner

Coyote’s Crazy Smart Science Show

Loretta S. Todd is an award-winning Indigenous filmmaker, writer and producer known for powerful, visual storytelling. As a successful producer, she created Coyote’s Crazy Smart Science Show, a children's series about Indigenous science for the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, in Canada. As well, she created Fierce Girls, a web-series for...show more

Featured in: Inclusion is Expansion: Indigenous representation done right


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Pontus Torpvret

SVT Swedish Television

As a public service channel, we pride ourselves to be able to provide the audience with the very finest in children’s animation and live action. We hand pick every title to make a fine broad selection to complement our own Swedish production. Well actually complement is a weak word considering...show more

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Pontus Torpvret, SVT


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Rosemarie Truglio, PhD

SVP, Curriculum & Content

Sesame Workshop

Rosemarie T. Truglio is the Senior Vice President of Curriculum and Content at Sesame Workshop. Dr. Truglio is responsible for the development of the interdisciplinary curriculum on whichSesame Streetis based and oversees content development across platforms (e.g., television, publishing, toys, home video, and theme park activities). She also oversees the...show more

Featured in: Inclusion is Expansion: Creating content that spans the spectrum


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Kristofer Updike

Executive

Universal Kids

Kristofer Updike has over 20 years experience in the entertainment industry, working extensively in television and film.  Bringing compelling stories to life is a passion of his, and as the Senior Director of Development for Universal Kids, Kristofer has focused his talents on creating and developing children’s programming for kids...show more

Featured in: Cocktails with... Karen Miller, Rick Clodfelter & Kristofer Updike, Universal Kids; Speed Pitching 3


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Juliëtte van Paridon

Head of Kids Content

NTR

Juliëtte van Paridon  is  Editor in Chief of the children's/youth department of Dutch public broadcaster NTR.

In her programs,  Juliëtte  doesn’t make things look prettier than they are. Talking about sex is uncomfortable, nature can be horrifying

Featured in: Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby: Broaching the birds and bees through entertainment


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Susan Vargo

Head of Global Experiences

Nickelodeon

Susan Vargo leads creative development and production for live entertainment across for Nickelodeon's touring, theme park, hotels and resort activities as well as select non-ticketed event and the global costume character program.  Current stage tours include: Paw Patrol Live! and Double Dare Live!.  She also serves as the executive producer for The Sponge Bob Musical, which was nominated for 12 TONY Awards during the 2017 - 18 Broadway season...show more

Featured in: Beyond the Screen: The future is LIVE!


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René Veilleux

CEO & Founder

Verité Entertainment

René Veilleux is the CEO and Founder of Verité Entertainment where he is spearheading production and development on a variety of projects in film, television, animation, and new media. He has worked in all aspects of production for numerous companies including: DreamWorks, Warner Brothers, Frederator Studios, FremantleMedia, MTV, Mattel Creations,...show more

Featured in: Dubs and Subs: What you need to know about localization


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Karen Vermeulen

Executive Producer, Development Consultant

Cloudco Entertainment

Responsible for financing, co-producing and distributing TV series including Cloudco’s latest new titles :Care Bears -Unlock the Magic, Tinpo, Holly Hobbie(live action) and Buddy Thunderstruck.

Cloudco Entertainment is the entertainment (development and production) and outbound licensing & distribution division which was built upon the American Greetings library of Care Bears and other iconic...show more

Featured in: Distribution Deadlock: Selling kids content in a shifting marketplace


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Kerstin Viehbach

Commissioning Lead (Kids Fiction)

SUPER RTL/RTL DISNEY Fernsehen GmbH & Co.KG

Kerstin Viehbach joined Super RTL in 1999. After working as a producer for non-fictional children's content, she joined the Co-Production department. For some years now she has been team leader of the editorial department fiction. She and her team are searching for the best children's programmes and are supervising developments...show more

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Kerstin Viehbach & Marion Winter, Super RTL


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Dion Vlachos

EVP, Licensing and Retail

Viacom Nickelodeon Consumer Products

Dion Vlachos is Executive Vice President of U.S. Retail Sales and Global Publishing for VIACOM Nickelodeon Consumer Products (VNCP).  Based in New York, Dion leads U.S. retail development for VNCP, including strategy, sales and relationship management of key partners across mass, specialty, e-commerce and emerging retail accounts. He also oversees...show more

Featured in: The Brave New World of Toy Retail


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Aurélie Wack

Senior Manager, Acquisitions & Co-Productions, EMEA

Cartoon Network France & Africa

Aurelie Wack is Acquisitions Manager, Kids for Turner France & Africa, working across Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Boing, and Toonami.

In this role, Aurelie identifies and negotiates local acquisitions and pre-buys for Turner France & Africa kids’ services, working for the local heads of programming and acquisitions of both territories and collaborating...show more

Featured in: Speed Pitching 1; Speed Pitching 2


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Alice Webb

Director

BBC Children's

Alice Webb is Director, BBC Children’s, responsible for all aspects of the BBC’s Children’s services – including being responsible for the UK’s two most popular networks for youngest audiences, CBeebies and CBBC.  With over 8,000 hours of children’s content each year, together with iPlayer, apps, interactive and multimedia content the...show more

Featured in: Defined by Change: Public broadcasting speeds up to keep up; 30 Minutes with... Alice Webb, BBC Children's


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Teri Weiss

EVP, TV Development

DreamWorks Animation TV

Teri Weiss is EVP, Preschool for DreamWorks Animation Television reporting to DreamWorks Animation President Margie Cohn. In this role, she is responsible for the development and current series management of the preschool division of DreamWorks Animation Television.

Recently announced projects that Weiss is overseeing include Archibald’s Next Big Thing, Gabby’s Dollhouse...show more

Featured in: Swimming in the Deep End of the Talent Pool



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Alexandra Whyte

n/a

Kidscreen

Obsessed with all things high-tech, Kidscreen’s senior online writer and social media coordinator Alexandra Whyte covers the daily news across the kids entertainment business including television, movies and consumer products. Her specialty is in technology, writing features for the magazine ranging from robots to YouTube. Before joining Kidscreen she was...show more

Featured in: Death of Reboots? Exploring the future of nostalgia in a fractured media reality; Voice Voice Revolution


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Kay Wilson Stallings

EVP, Chief Creative Development and Production Officer

Sesame Workshop

Kay Wilson Stallings serves as Senior Vice Present of Creative Development at Sesame Workshop. In this role, Stallings oversees creative development and pilot production for original content for multiple platforms.  She recruits writing, animation, and design talent globally, and explores new production models and partnerships to develop new programs and...show more

Featured in: 30 minutes with... Kay Wilson Stallings, Sesame Workshop


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Marion Winter

Senior Manager, Acquisitions & Co-Productions

Super RTL

Marion Winter joined Super RTL in April 2011 as Senior Manager of Acquisitions and Co-Productions. Previously, she held numerous positions within the Program Acquisitions and Sales department of parent network RTL Television, and worked as Manager of Content Sourcing for RTL Interactive’s online, mobile and VOD platforms.

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Kerstin Viehbach & Marion Winter, Super RTL; Speed Pitching 3; Speed Pitching 4


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Alix Wiseman

SVP, Distribution & Acquisitions

9 Story Distribution International

An international media professional with 25 years in the business, Alix Wiseman leads 9 Story’s distribution and acquisitions efforts. Prior to joining 9 Story, Alix was at Aardman Animations where she set up the studio’s dedicated distribution division in 2006 and led the efforts on titles such as Shaun the...show more

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Steph Wissink

Managing Director, Research Analyst - Consumer

Jefferies

Stephanie Wissink joined Jefferies in May 2017 as Managing director, senior research analyst covering consumer products companies. Steph has over 18 years of Equity Research experience, previously with Piper Jaffray, authoring company & industry reports focused on beauty, retail, entertainment, toys & games, health & wellness. She collaborates with Jefferies...show more

Featured in: The Brave New World of Toy Retail


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Matthew Wolf

Director, Content Strategy

Nickelodeon

Matthew Wolf is the Director of Global Acquisitions for Nickelodeon, Viacom International Media Networks.  Wolf Joined the Global Acquisitions group in October, 2018.  In this role, he manages the acquisitions process from pitch to series launch and also handles partnership management with distributors.

A 12-year veteran of Viacom, Wolf has held...show more

Featured in: Speed Pitching 3; Speed Pitching 4


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Andy Yeatman

Managing Director of Americas, Distribution

Moonbug

Andy Yeatman is Head of the Americas at Moonbug, a global entertainment company that develops and distributes safe and fun content for children. Yeatman is one of the most respected and accomplished executives in Kids’ content. He has distributed, developed, and acquired some of the most beloved children’s content, globally. He...show more

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Peter Yoder

VP Global Franchise Management and Marketing For The Wizarding World

Turner Broadcasting


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Harry Yoon

Vice President

JIB Consulting Co. Ltd

As Executive Producer and marketing consultant; int'l co-production, financing and distribution.

As Chief Content Officer at SK broadband, an IPTV platform,;as ivestment, acquisition and interactive service.

As VP of SAMG Animation; marketing, licensing and int’l co-producing including My Giant Friend, Monk, Fish & Chips, Bugged, Vroomis and Ladybug.

As General manager of Barunson,; licensing...show more

Featured in: Brainpick