Agenda - Kidscreen Summit 2015

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Kidscreen

Sunday, February 22

12:30pm

Venue Tour (12:30pm - 1:00pm)

Registration Desk

Get a feel for the layout of our brand-new venue before the Summit officially kicks off so you don’t waste precious time trying to find sessions, events and people throughout the week. This tour departs from the Registration Desk and shows you where everything will take place.

1:00pm

MASTER CLASS - YouTubing For Pros: How to Monetize on the World’s Biggest Video Platform (1:00pm - 2:30pm)

Sandringham

You’ve got the content, you’ve got the clicks—so where’s the money? Converting all of that online attention into actual dollars can be difficult at best, which is why we’re bringing in Rebecca Frankel from Little Dot Studios to break down what monetization models that are working on the world's largest video platform. Little Dot oversees more than 180 YouTube channels on behalf of 45 indie prodcos, and Rebecca takes care of distribution and monetization for the company's kids TV clients. She will also explore the opportunities around creating affiliated niche channels, and how to leverage your audience connections to attract brands and advertising partners.

PLEASE NOTE: Attendees who are keen to pack more professional learning into their Summit week can take part in this session for an additional $250. If you're interested in signing up, contact Maggie Wilkins (mwilkins@brunico.com or 416-408-2300 x539).

Featuring:

Rebecca Frankel

Distribution & Partnerships

Little Dot Studios

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MENTOR CLASS - Killin' It: Writing for Tweens and Teens (1:00pm - 2:30pm)

Windsor

Arguably the most discerning audience to write for, it’s not impossible to win tweens and teens over. Shows like Bob’s Burgers and Pretty Little Liars have recently done a great job hitting each demo’s sweet spot. So how do you balance unique characters with intriguing narrative threads and story arcs that will keep them entertained? Join a master of the tween/teen writing craft to talk process and genres, and you’ll come away with the tools you need to polish your script ideas.

PLEASE NOTE: Attendees who are keen to pack more professional learning into their Summit week can take part in this session for an additional $250. If you're interested in signing up, contact Maggie Wilkins (mwilkins@brunico.com or 416-408-2300 x539).

Featuring:

Tom McGillis

President & Executive Producer

Fresh TV Inc

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MENTOR CLASS - Launchpad Logic: Making the Right TV vs. Digital Decision (1:00pm - 2:30pm)

Balmoral

Given that the paths diverge so completely now, the decision to launch a kids IP on TV or on new media first is an important one. So we’re bringing in a brand-building guru to guide you through these choices, outline some related surprises and challenges you should prepare for, and explore how to start constructing a three-year brand plan.

PLEASE NOTE: Attendees who are keen to pack more professional learning into their Summit week can take part in this session for an additional $250. If you're interested in signing up, contact Maggie Wilkins (mwilkins@brunico.com or 416-408-2300 x539).

Featuring:

Michael Dee

Director, Coolabi Productions

Coolabi Group

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2:30pm

BREAK (2:30pm - 3:00pm)

Venue Tour (2:30pm - 3:00pm)

Registration Desk

Get a feel for the layout of our brand-new venue before the Summit officially kicks off so you don’t waste precious time trying to find sessions, events and people throughout the week. This tour departs from the Registration Desk and shows you where everything will take place.

3:00pm

MASTER CLASS - Direct to Retail: Perfecting your Retail Pitch (3:00pm - 4:30pm)

Sandringham

You’ve got a seat at the retail table. So what’s your next move? The good news is that retailers are more open to brand and content partnerships than ever before, and their physical and digital reach has never been greater. The challenge is that metrics are murkier, and your old pitch playbook won’t work with the powerful new decision-makers and influencers who will decide your retail destiny. In this Master Class, retail positioning expert Carol Spieckerman will reveal the three principles and five action steps that will drive big-profit, multi-stakeholder retail successes in 2015 and beyond, and she’ll frame everything up with her latest retail insights. Get ready to future-proof your consumer products strategy and win high-volume opportunities!

PLEASE NOTE: Attendees who are keen to pack more professional learning into their Summit week can take part in this session for an additional $250. If you're interested in signing up, contact Maggie Wilkins (mwilkins@brunico.com or 416-408-2300 x539).

Featuring:

Carol Spieckerman

President

newmarketbuilders

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MASTER CLASS - Promoting Innovation: A Guide to Empowering Creative Teams (3:00pm - 4:30pm)

Windsor

A top-notch creative team is always at the heart of success in the kids business. So how can a C-class leader reenergize corporate culture and management styles for maximum creativity, while maintaining the company’s mission, vision and values? We’re bringing in an expert consultant to provide clear tactics and strategies on everything from creating the right working environment to cultivate creative talent, to offering the incentives that drive C-class talent retention.

PLEASE NOTE: Attendees who are keen to pack more professional learning into their Summit week can take part in this session for an additional $250. If you're interested in signing up, contact Maggie Wilkins (mwilkins@brunico.com or 416-408-2300 x539).

Sponsored by:

Featuring:

Mercy Salaz

Principal

Strategos

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MENTOR CLASS - Creator 101: Putting your Best Pitch Forward (3:00pm - 4:30pm)

Balmoral

You’ve just had a great idea for a show! (Well, you and your best friend think it’s great!) But how do you know if it will work in the market? And how do you turn your light bulb moment into a global kids brand? These are just some of the Big Questions we’ll be looking at in this lively, hands-on Mentor Class, suitable for creators of all experience levels working on concepts for all age ranges (toddlers to teens). Hosted by Mike the Knight creator Alexander Bar, Put your Best Pitch Forward will offer valuable first-hand insights to help you assess and craft your ideas into effective bibles and one-sheets, navigate the many perils of the pitching process, identify strategies to find the right partners for your project, and secure that ever-elusive greenlight!

PLEASE NOTE: Attendees who are keen to pack more professional learning into their Summit week can take part in this session for an additional $250. If you're interested in signing up, contact Maggie Wilkins (mwilkins@brunico.com or 416-408-2300 x539).

Featuring:

Alexander Bar

Founder & Executive Producer

Creative Producer & Author

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Monday, February 23

8:00am
8:30am

Venue Tour (8:30am - 9:00am)

Registration Desk

Get a feel for the layout of our brand-new venue before the Summit officially kicks off so you don’t waste precious time trying to find sessions, events and people throughout the week. This tour departs from the Registration Desk and shows you where everything will take place.

9:00am

Brainpick: Pitching & Development (9:00am - 10:00am)

Merrick

Join some of the industry’s most experienced creators, who will be on hand to work with you on fine-tuning your show concept and pitch materials so you’re ready for market. You can also pop in and ask any questions you may have about developing and pitching kids content.

Featuring:

Justine Bannister

Founder & Creative Facilitator

Just B

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Natalie Dumoulin

VP of Creative Affairs

9 Story Media Group

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Melanie Halsall

Head of Development

Komixx Entertainment

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Michelle Melanson

President & Executive Producer

Radical Sheep Productions

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Beth Stevenson

President

Brain Power Studio Inc

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Rita Street

President

Radar Cartoons LLC

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Brainpick: Co-Productions & Financing (9:00am - 10:00am)

Merrick

We’ve recruited a handful of leading kids content producers to advise you on your financing game plan and setting up effective co-production partnerships. 

Featuring:

Nat Abraham

Partner and President Distribution

Breakthrough Entertainment

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Simon Flamank

Advisor

Bob and Co, Ltd

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Tatiana Kober

President

Bejuba! Entertainment

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Julie Stall

Partner & Executive Producer

Portfolio Entertainment Inc.

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Tom van Waveren

Executive Producer

Cake Distribution Ltd

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Brenda Wooding

Owner

Kid Glove

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10:00am

KEYNOTE: Press Play on Fun (10:00am - 10:45am)

Bayfront

Online and mobile video viewing rates continue to skyrocket pretty much everywhere, and YouTube has a rock-solid grip on this audience. Today, YouTube is home to millions of families across the globe who seek out content that entertains, educates and inspires their children. With parent company Google currently revamping several of its products for kids 12 and under, YouTube's Head of Family/EDU Malik Ducard  will talk about new opportunities for producers to engage families like never before. 

Featuring:

Malik Ducard

VP, YouTube Content Partnerships

YouTube

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10:45am

BREAK (10:45am - 11:00am)

11:00am

Close-up with the Maker of Maker: Michael Ross (11:00am - 11:45am)

Bayfront

Disney paid in excess of US$500 million earlier this year for Maker Studios, whose Family business unit is one of the largest short-form video platforms in the children’s entertainment industry. Meet Michael Ross, the man in charge of Maker Family, and find out more about the challenges and successes that have shaped his unique perspective and approach to content.

Featuring:

Lana Castleman

Director, Marketing & Communications

Kidscreen

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Michael Ross

General Manager, Family

Maker Studios

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Left-Field Leaders (11:00am - 11:45am)

Sevilla

This group of extraordinary leaders come at what they do from left field. Inventive thinkers, natural-born risk-takers―they have pushed the boundaries of their respective industries to achieve success. Their stories will inspire kids biz leaders to step out of their comfort zones and realize it may even be possible to fail safely.

Featuring:

Asi Burak

President

Games for Change

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Anthony Esparza

Head of Creative Studios

Herschend Family Entertainment

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Donna Friedman Meir

CEO & Founder

Lemonade Creative Consulting

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Laurie Meadoff

Chief Strategy Officer

The CityKids Foundation

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30 Minutes with... Laurence Blaevoet, Canal+ Youth (11:00am - 11:30am)

Gusman

A returning favourite at the Summit, our 30 Minutes With…sessions give you a chance to hear about the future plans and priorities of the kids industry’s major content investors first-hand, as well as  participate in some Q&A and meet-and-greets. You are welcome to attend as many of these popular buyer briefing sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Space will be filled on a first-come, first-seated basis until we hit room capacity. 

Featuring:

Laurence Blaevoet

Head of Children's Programs and Channels

Canal + Youth Department

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30 Minutes with... Barry Koch, Cartoon Network Latin America (11:00am - 11:30am)

Tuttle

A returning favourite at the Summit, our 30 Minutes With…sessions give you a chance to hear about the future plans and priorities of the kids industry’s major content investors first-hand, as well as  participate in some Q&A and meet-and-greets. You are welcome to attend as many of these popular buyer briefing sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Space will be filled on a first-come, first-seated basis until we hit room capacity. 

Featuring:

Barry Koch

SVP/GM, Cartoon Network, Latin America

Cartoon Network

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30 Minutes with... Paul DeBenedittis, Disney Channels Worldwide (11:00am - 11:30am)

Dupont

A returning favourite at the Summit, our 30 Minutes With…sessions give you a chance to hear about the future plans and priorities of the kids industry’s major content investors first-hand, as well as  participate in some Q&A and meet-and-greets. You are welcome to attend as many of these popular buyer briefing sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Space will be filled on a first-come, first-seated basis until we hit room capacity. 

Featuring:

Paul DeBenedittis

EVP Programming & Content Strategy Acquisitions &Co Productions

Disney ABC Television Group

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11:45am

BREAK (11:45am - 12:00pm)

12:00pm

Audience-Building: Then vs. Now (12:00pm - 12:45pm)

Bayfront

Eyeballs, eyeballs, eyeballs—attracting a sizable audience is still our ultimate end goal, but how does content develop a following now compared to just five years ago? Who's leading the charge? How have marketing roles changed, and how do things like COPPA regulations come into play with nonlinear series? Our expert panel of producers, broadcast marketers and researchers will discuss what it was like then, and how to get it done now. 

Featuring:

Paul DeBenedittis

EVP Programming & Content Strategy Acquisitions &Co Productions

Disney ABC Television Group

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Michael Goldsmith

Head of Kids and Family

DHX Media

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Jeff Grant

SVP Research

Turner Broadcasting

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Scot McFadyen

Executive Producer & Director

Banger Films

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Adina Pitt

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

Cartoon Network

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Shifting Gears: How the Producer's Role is Evolving (12:00pm - 12:45pm)

Sevilla

In each phase of a production, there is always a dedicated producer making sure the train stays on the track. But as the kids entertainment landscape diversifies, the role of a producer is evolving dramatically alongside it. Join our panel of international producers as they compare and contrast past experiences with current experiments, and glean insight into how this all-important position will continue to change as platforms and distribution channels proliferate and shift shape.   

Featuring:

Carlos Biern

Content and Distribution Director

BRB Internacional, S.A.

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Vince Commisso

President & CEO

9 Story Media Group

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Jennifer Dodge

President Entertainment

Spin Master

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Ken Faier

CEO & El Presidente

DHX Content

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Christopher Keenan

Independent Producer

HIT Entertainment

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30 Minutes with... Migdalis Silva, Nickelodeon Latin America (12:00pm - 12:30pm)

Gusman

A returning favourite at the Summit, our 30 Minutes With…sessions give you a chance to hear about the future plans and priorities of the kids industry’s major content investors first-hand, as well as  participate in some Q&A and meet-and-greets. You are welcome to attend as many of these popular buyer briefing sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Space will be filled on a first-come, first-seated basis until we hit room capacity. 

Featuring:

Migdalis Silva

VP Brand Head Nickelodeon Latin America

Nickelodeon Latin America

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30 Minutes with... Carole Bonneau, Corus Kids (TELETOON Canada, TELETOON Retro, Cartoon Network Canada) (12:00pm - 12:30pm)

Tuttle

A returning favourite at the Summit, our 30 Minutes With…sessions give you a chance to hear about the future plans and priorities of the kids industry’s major content investors first-hand, as well as  participate in some Q&A and meet-and-greets. You are welcome to attend as many of these popular buyer briefing sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Space will be filled on a first-come, first-seated basis until we hit room capacity. 

Featuring:

Carole Bonneau

VP, Content Acquisition & French Language Programming, Télétoon & La Chaîne Disney

Corus Media

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Athena Georgaklis

Vice President

Corus Entertainment

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30 Minutes with... Sebastian Debertin, KiKA (12:00pm - 12:30pm)

Dupont

A returning favourite at the Summit, our 30 Minutes With…sessions give you a chance to hear about the future plans and priorities of the kids industry’s major content investors first-hand, as well as  participate in some Q&A and meet-and-greets. You are welcome to attend as many of these popular buyer briefing sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Space will be filled on a first-come, first-seated basis until we hit room capacity. 

Featuring:

Sebastian Debertin

Head of International Content Acquisitions & Co-Productions

KiKA - Der Kinderkanal of ARD & ZDF

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12:45pm

LUNCH (served in Biscayne Ballroom & Chopin Ballroom) (12:45pm - 2:00pm)

Lunching with... Lori Burke, Penguin Group (US) (12:45pm - 1:45pm)

Merrick

Spend some quality time getting closer to top-gun consumer products partners who can give you advice and guidance on how to commercialize your kids IP. You’ll have a chance to share a meal in a small group with one of 10 of the industry’s most influential kids merchandise licensees. This is designed as a networking opportunity, folks, so please save your pitch for a private meeting. NOTE: Advance sign-up required

Featuring:

Lori Burke

Executive Director of Licensing Acquisitions & Media

Penguin Group (US)

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Lunching with... Jeffrey Korchek, Mattel (12:45pm - 1:45pm)

Merrick

Spend some quality time getting closer to top-gun consumer products partners who can give you advice and guidance on how to commercialize your kids IP. You’ll have a chance to share a meal in a small group with one of 10 of the industry’s most influential kids merchandise licensees. This is designed as a networking opportunity, folks, so please save your pitch for a private meeting. NOTE: Advance sign-up required

Featuring:

Jeffrey Korchek

VP Licensing Acquisitions & Business Affairs

Mattel, Inc.

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Lunching with... Michael Polis, Atomic Toybox Entertainment (12:45pm - 1:45pm)

Merrick

Spend some quality time getting closer to top-gun consumer products partners who can give you advice and guidance on how to commercialize your kids IP. You’ll have a chance to share a meal in a small group with one of 10 of the industry’s most influential kids merchandise licensees. This is designed as a networking opportunity, folks, so please save your pitch for a private meeting. NOTE: Advance sign-up required

Featuring:

Michael Polis

CEO, Creator, Executive Producer

Atomic Toybox Entertainment

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Lunching with... Julia Posen, Walker Books (12:45pm - 1:45pm)

Merrick

Spend some quality time getting closer to top-gun consumer products partners who can give you advice and guidance on how to commercialize your kids IP. You’ll have a chance to share a meal in a small group with one of 10 of the industry’s most influential kids merchandise licensees. This is designed as a networking opportunity, folks, so please save your pitch for a private meeting. NOTE: Advance sign-up required

Featuring:

Julia Posen

EVP and Commercial Director, Group Rights & Development

Walker Books Ltd and Walker Productions

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Lunching with... Bill Graham, Jazwares (12:45pm - 1:45pm)

Merrick

Spend some quality time getting closer to top-gun consumer products partners who can give you advice and guidance on how to commercialize your kids IP. You’ll have a chance to share a meal in a small group with one of 10 of the industry’s most influential kids merchandise licensees. This is designed as a networking opportunity, folks, so please save your pitch for a private meeting. NOTE: Advance sign-up required

Featuring:

Bill Graham

President

Jazwares

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2:00pm

Meet the President: Cartoon Network's Christina Miller (2:00pm - 2:45pm)

Bayfront

Christina Miller is now leading the charge at one of the world’s biggest children’s broadcasters, having taken the reins at Turner for Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Boomerang. Balancing business and creative strategies as she carves a new path for the network is no easy thing, but Miller is definitely up for the challenge. In this one-on-one session, she’ll discuss the experiences that have influenced the way she tackles content management and commercial enterprise, as well as providing a first peek at what's on deck at Cartoon Network, and where she sees the future of kids TV heading.

Featuring:

Lana Castleman

Director, Marketing & Communications

Kidscreen

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Christina Miller

President

Cartoon Network

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Twisted Pitchers (2:00pm - 2:45pm)

Sevilla

Put down that Mojito, and try something stronger—with a twist! This popular creative simulation game is back at Kidscreen Summit, and we hope you’re in the mood to play at the end of the day. Small groups will be challenged to develop an idea and pitch it in just 10 minutes. Some elements are the same for all, and some are unique to each group—the idea is to find out how much a single twist can alter a concept. Come as a team, or meet up with new friends, but get ready to try and hit our creative curveballs out of the park.

Moderating:

David Kleeman

SVP, Global Trends

PlayCollective

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30 Minutes with... Tiphaine De Raguenel, France Télévisions (2:00pm - 2:30pm)

Gusman

A returning favourite at the Summit, our 30 Minutes With…sessions give you a chance to hear about the future plans and priorities of the kids industry’s major content investors first-hand, as well as  participate in some Q&A and meet-and-greets. You are welcome to attend as many of these popular buyer briefing sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Space will be filled on a first-come, first-seated basis until we hit room capacity. 

Featuring:

Tiphaine de Raguenel

Director of Editorial Strategy

France Télévisions

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30 Minutes with... Kim Wilson, Kids' CBC (2:00pm - 2:30pm)

Tuttle

A returning favourite at the Summit, our 30 Minutes With…sessions give you a chance to hear about the future plans and priorities of the kids industry’s major content investors first-hand, as well as  participate in some Q&A and meet-and-greets. You are welcome to attend as many of these popular buyer briefing sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Space will be filled on a first-come, first-seated basis until we hit room capacity. 

Featuring:

Kim Wilson

Director

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

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30 Minutes with... Hitoshi Furukawa, NHK (2:00pm - 2:30pm)

Dupont

A returning favourite at the Summit, our 30 Minutes With…sessions give you a chance to hear about the future plans and priorities of the kids industry’s major content investors first-hand, as well as  participate in some Q&A and meet-and-greets. You are welcome to attend as many of these popular buyer briefing sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Space will be filled on a first-come, first-seated basis until we hit room capacity. 

Featuring:

Hitoshi Furukawa

Senior Producer Global Content Development Division

NHK

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2:45pm

BREAK (2:45pm - 3:00pm)

3:00pm

Shaping the next generation of content: Talking preschool series development with Amazon Kids (3:00pm - 3:45pm)

Bayfront

With an increasing emphasis being placed on curriculum in preschool programming, Amazon Studios is blazing a new trail with its pilot program and commissioning strategy. Head of Kids Programming Tara Sorensen, noted curriculum expert Dr. Alice Wilder, and several thought leaders in child development will come together at the Summit to discuss how Amazon Kids is shaping curriculum for early childhood learning and looking at play, art and creativity for the youngest demo.

Featuring:

Lana Castleman

Director, Marketing & Communications

Kidscreen

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Dale Dougherty

Founder and CEO

Maker Media Inc.

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Ellen Galinsky

President and Co-Founder

Families and Work Institute (FWI)

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Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Author & Illustrator

Studio JJK

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Scot Osterweil

Creative Director, The Education Arcade & Research Director

MIT Comparative Media Studies

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Tara Sorensen

Head of Children's Programming

Amazon Studios

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Alice Wilder

Educational Advisor, Amazon Kids

Amazon Studios

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3:45pm

BREAK (3:45pm - 4:00pm)

4:00pm

Hot Right Now (4:00pm - 4:45pm)

Bayfront

To cap off our first day, we're bringing together six media pros who live on the bleeding edge of innovation to talk us through the things they're currently most excited about, and what it all means for our industry in the near future. Each speaker has 20 slides that automatically advance every 16 seconds, guaranteeing that this can't-miss session will be informative, inspiring, and a lot of fun!

Featuring:

Alexander Bar

Founder & Executive Producer

Creative Producer & Author

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Nuno Bernardo

CEO

beActive Entertainment S.A.

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Scott Chambers

SVP, North America Media and Licensing

Sesame Workshop

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Jesse Cleverly

Creative Director

Wildseed Studios

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Ryan Lussing

President & Executive Producer

Yellow Bear Studios

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Laura Rodriguez-Costacamps

SciPlay Project Manager & Curriculum Designer

NY Hall of Science

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Cocktails with... Corus Kids (4:00pm - 5:00pm)

Palm/Star Isle

Chat over drinks with leading kids broadcasters in this brand-new format that aims to loosen up the networking vibe and help you make deeper connections at channels that buy kids programming. This is designed as a networking opportunity, folks, so please save your pitch for a private meeting. NOTE: Advance sign-up required

Featuring:

Jamie Piekarz

Content Producer/Creative Consultant

Corus Kids

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Cocktails with... France Télévisions (4:00pm - 5:00pm)

Hibiscus Isle

Chat over drinks with leading kids broadcasters in this brand-new format that aims to loosen up the networking vibe and help you make deeper connections at channels that buy kids programming. This is designed as a networking opportunity, folks, so please save your pitch for a private meeting. NOTE: Advance sign-up required

Featuring:

Tiphaine de Raguenel

Director of Editorial Strategy

France Télévisions

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Cocktails with... Turner Broadcasting EMEA (4:00pm - 5:00pm)

Gusman

Chat over drinks with leading kids broadcasters in this brand-new format that aims to loosen up the networking vibe and help you make deeper connections at channels that buy kids programming. This is designed as a networking opportunity, folks, so please save your pitch for a private meeting. NOTE: Advance sign-up required

Featuring:

Patricia Hidalgo

Director of Children’s & Education

Turner Broadcasting System EMEA Limited

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Cocktails with... RTÉ Ireland (4:00pm - 5:00pm)

Tuttle

Chat over drinks with leading kids broadcasters in this brand-new format that aims to loosen up the networking vibe and help you make deeper connections at channels that buy kids programming. This is designed as a networking opportunity, folks, so please save your pitch for a private meeting. NOTE: Advance sign-up required

Featuring:

Sheila de Courcy

RTE Group Head of Childrens and Controller Rtéjr

Radio Telefis Eireann- RTE Ireland

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Cocktails with... BBC Children's (4:00pm - 5:00pm)

Dupont

Chat over drinks with leading kids broadcasters in this brand-new format that aims to loosen up the networking vibe and help you make deeper connections at channels that buy kids programming. This is designed as a networking opportunity, folks, so please save your pitch for a private meeting. NOTE: Advance sign-up required

Featuring:

Sarah Muller

Senior Head of Commissioning (7+)

CBBC

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5:00pm

Kidscreen's Kick-Off Cocktail (Join us on the Pool Terrace) (5:00pm - 6:30pm)

Registration Desk, Bayfront, Sevilla, Brickell, Merrick, Palm/Star Isle, Hibiscus Isle, Gusman, Tuttle, Dupont

Mix and mingle poolside with other delegates at the Summit’s biggest social event. This bash caps off the first day and attracts hundreds of kids entertainment execs looking to meet partners, chat about business and soak up the Miami sunset.  

Tuesday, February 24

8:00am
10:15am

KEYNOTE: Tech, Content and the Next Generation: A one-on-one with Randi Zuckerberg (10:15am - 11:00am)

Bayfront

From creativity to coding, technology opens countless doors for children to learn new skills and explore their passions. It levels the playing field for girls to compete in STEM fields, lets kids dive deeper into areas of interest, and gives unparalleled access to those with disabilities. But have you ever tried to have a conversation with a teenager whose head is buried in text messages? Or explain to a toddler that no, they can't have the tablet RIGHT NOW! In this fun, fresh and insightful fireside chat, Randi Zuckerberg, an expert in how consumers—especially parents and children—live and interact with technology, will share her take on family dynamics in the digital age.

Featuring:

Kim Wilson

Director

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

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Randi Zuckerberg

Creator/Author, Dot

The Jim Henson Company

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11:00am

BREAK (11:00am - 11:30am)

11:30am

Can a Series be Everything to Everyone? (11:30am - 12:30pm)

Bayfront

The benchmarks for successful return on investment in kids entertainment today are exposure in 100+ territories and product on shelf at every retailer from Sydney to Reykjavik. But broadcasters still want shows that relates to the unique experiences of kids in their respective countries. So what are the ingredients required to whip up a series that is both a local hit and a global success? And what is a producer to do with a show that is a huge hit in one country, but has trouble gaining traction elsewhere? 

Featuring:

Olivier Dumont

President, Hasbro Entertainment

eOne Family

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Bob Higgins

President

FremantleMedia (New York)

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Tom McGillis

President & Executive Producer

Fresh TV Inc

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Karen K.Miller

President & CEO

Disney Channels Worldwide

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Sarah Muller

Senior Head of Commissioning (7+)

CBBC

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Shopping Around: What's Driving Consumer Products Sales Now? (11:30am - 12:30pm)

Sevilla

Mass-market retailers are arguably even more powerful than traditional broadcasters when it comes to transforming kids shows into hits. But it's a shifting market right now. How are upstart platforms like Netflix and YouTube channels, and online retailers, affecting an IP owner's ability to get products on shelves and into consumers' hands? Join our expert panel as they cover everything licensors need to know to navigate this less-traveled landscape and flourish.

Featuring:

Rick Glankler

CEO/Co-Founder

FremantleMedia (New York)

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Bill Graham

President

Jazwares

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Ron Johnson

EVP, International Consumer Products

Viacom International Media Networks

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Sue Miller

Founding Partner

Mixed Media Group

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Carol Spieckerman

President

newmarketbuilders

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Hot Research: Creating Essential Digital Media for Today’s Fast-Moving Kids (11:30am - 12:30pm)

Brickell

Renowned research firm Insight Kids will present the results of their groundbreaking and hot-off-the-presses study into the digital lives of kids―what they’re doing as they stream, game, communicate and shop online, and the benefits they get out of each activity. Insight’s analysis will correlate kids’ attitudes and behaviors with cognitive, socio-emotional and physical development milestones, helping attendees understand how to activate kids across multiple dimensions in the exploding digital space. A must-attend!

Featuring:

Stacey Matthias

Research and Development

Insight Strategy Group

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30 Minutes with... Tara Sorensen, Amazon Studios (11:30am - 12:00pm)

Gusman

A returning favourite at the Summit, our 30 Minutes With…sessions give you a chance to hear about the future plans and priorities of the kids industry’s major content investors first-hand, as well as  participate in some Q&A and meet-and-greets. You are welcome to attend as many of these popular buyer briefing sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Space will be filled on a first-come, first-seated basis until we hit room capacity. 

Featuring:

Tara Sorensen

Head of Children's Programming

Amazon Studios

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30 Minutes with... Frank Dietz, Super RTL (11:30am - 12:00pm)

Tuttle

A returning favourite at the Summit, our 30 Minutes With…sessions give you a chance to hear about the future plans and priorities of the kids industry’s major content investors first-hand, as well as  participate in some Q&A and meet-and-greets. You are welcome to attend as many of these popular buyer briefing sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Space will be filled on a first-come, first-seated basis until we hit room capacity. 

Featuring:

Frank Dietz

Head of Acquisitions &
Co-Productions

Super RTL

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Janine Weigold

Manager, Original Animation, EMEA

RTL Disney Fernsehen GmbH & Co.KG

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30 Minutes with... Adina Pitt, Cartoon Network US (11:30am - 12:00pm)

Dupont

A returning favourite at the Summit, our 30 Minutes With…sessions give you a chance to hear about the future plans and priorities of the kids industry’s major content investors first-hand, as well as  participate in some Q&A and meet-and-greets. You are welcome to attend as many of these popular buyer briefing sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Space will be filled on a first-come, first-seated basis until we hit room capacity. 

Featuring:

Adina Pitt

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

Cartoon Network

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12:30pm

LUNCH (served in Biscayne Ballroom & Chopin Ballroom) (12:30pm - 2:00pm)

Lunching with... Daphné de Beauffort, TF1 Licences (12:30pm - 1:30pm)

Merrick

Spend some quality time getting closer to top-gun consumer products partners who can give you advice and guidance on how to commercialize your kids IP. You’ll have a chance to share a meal in a small group with one of 10 of the industry’s most influential kids merchandise licensees. This is designed as a networking opportunity, folks, so please save your pitch for a private meeting. NOTE: Advance sign-up required

Featuring:

Daphné de Beauffort

EVP, Animation Acquisitions

TF1 Licences

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Lunching with... Sean Gorman, American Greetings Properties (12:30pm - 1:30pm)

Merrick

Spend some quality time getting closer to top-gun consumer products partners who can give you advice and guidance on how to commercialize your kids IP. You’ll have a chance to share a meal in a small group with one of 10 of the industry’s most influential kids merchandise licensees. This is designed as a networking opportunity, folks, so please save your pitch for a private meeting. NOTE: Advance sign-up required

Featuring:

Sean Gorman

President

American Greetings Properties

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Lunching with... Andrew Kerr, Corus Entertainment (12:30pm - 1:30pm)

Merrick

Spend some quality time getting closer to top-gun consumer products partners who can give you advice and guidance on how to commercialize your kids IP. You’ll have a chance to share a meal in a small group with one of 10 of the industry’s most influential kids merchandise licensees. This is designed as a networking opportunity, folks, so please save your pitch for a private meeting. NOTE: Advance sign-up required

Featuring:

Andrew Kerr

Co-Founder/Executive Producer

Corus Entertainment

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Lunching with... Rich Maryyanek, Big Tent Entertainment (12:30pm - 1:45pm)

Merrick

Spend some quality time getting closer to top-gun consumer products partners who can give you advice and guidance on how to commercialize your kids IP. You’ll have a chance to share a meal in a small group with one of 10 of the industry’s most influential kids merchandise licensees. This is designed as a networking opportunity, folks, so please save your pitch for a private meeting. NOTE: Advance sign-up required

Featuring:

Rich Maryyanek

Partner and Chief Marketing Officer

Big Tent Entertainment

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Lunching with... Jonathan Mirsky, Spin Master (12:30pm - 1:30pm)

Merrick

Spend some quality time getting closer to top-gun consumer products partners who can give you advice and guidance on how to commercialize your kids IP. You’ll have a chance to share a meal in a small group with one of 10 of the industry’s most influential kids merchandise licensees. This is designed as a networking opportunity, folks, so please save your pitch for a private meeting. NOTE: Advance sign-up required

Featuring:

Jonathan Mirsky

Director Licensing

Spin Master

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2:00pm

Ink Slingers: Targeting the best writing talent (2:00pm - 3:00pm)

Bayfront

Regardless of format, genre and audience even the best concepts fall short without first-rate scripts that bring characters and stories to life. Join some of the industry’s leading development exces and learn how to find, recruit and retain valuable scriptwriters from an international talent pool. 

Featuring:

Christopher Dicker

Creator & Showrunner & Executive Producer

JAM Media

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Athena Georgaklis

Vice President

Corus Entertainment

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Melanie Halsall

Head of Development

Komixx Entertainment

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J.J. Johnson

Partner, Executive Producer

Sinking Ship Entertainment Inc

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Fonda Snyder

President

Rainmaker Entertainment

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The Multiplatform Playground (2:00pm - 3:00pm)

Sevilla

Whether you’ve read one of the dozens of scientific studies on play, or conducted your own personalized "nanny cam" research, we can all agree that play continues to be the primary way kids learn. That’s why it needs to be upheld as an essential ingredient in the content and products that we make for them. In a discussion with experts who create the most playful products, media and experiences for children, we will explore the similarities, differences and opportunities for play across all the platforms that exist in modern family life.

Featuring:

Gwen Gordon

Chief Mischief Maker

Now Playing Productions

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Jennie Ito

Global Content Policy Lead, Kids Experiences

The Play Kitchen

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Susanna Pollack

President

NonStop Media

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Julia Rousakis

Co-Director & Co-Founder

Architectural Playground Equipment

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Greg Trefry

Partner & Game Designer

Gigantic Mechanic

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David Voss

SVP & Executive Producer

Mattel, Inc.

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Pink, Blue or Beige? How Digital is Shaping Gender Preferences (2:00pm - 3:00pm)

Brickell

Are gender-neutral products and content becoming more popular as kids increasingly choose what they want to engage with and when? Kids Industries spoke to 2,000 parents and children on both sides of the Atlantic to find out what they really think about the gendering of products and experiences. It turns out that the digital world of apps, websites, social media, games, platforms and hardware is reshaping the discussion. Using primary and secondary sources, Gary Pope will explore the realities and (mis)perceptions of gender signposting in digital experiences designed for children, and then compare it to the gendered framing of content in the physical world of children’s brands and products to assess what it all might mean for the kids biz.

Featuring:

Gary Pope

CEO

Kids Industries

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30 Minutes with... Andrew Beecham, Sprout (2:00pm - 2:30pm)

Gusman

A returning favourite at the Summit, our 30 Minutes With…sessions give you a chance to hear about the future plans and priorities of the kids industry’s major content investors first-hand, as well as  participate in some Q&A and meet-and-greets. You are welcome to attend as many of these popular buyer briefing sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Space will be filled on a first-come, first-seated basis until we hit room capacity. 

Featuring:

Andrew Beecham

Consultant

Sprout

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30 Minutes With... Sarah Muller, CBBC (2:00pm - 2:30pm)

Tuttle

A returning favourite at the Summit, our 30 Minutes With…sessions give you a chance to hear about the future plans and priorities of the kids industry’s major content investors first-hand, as well as  participate in some Q&A and meet-and-greets. You are welcome to attend as many of these popular buyer briefing sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Space will be filled on a first-come, first-seated basis until we hit room capacity. 

Featuring:

Sarah Muller

Senior Head of Commissioning (7+)

CBBC

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30 Minutes with... Jules Borkent, Nickelodeon (2:00pm - 2:30pm)

Dupont

A returning favourite at the Summit, our 30 Minutes With…sessions give you a chance to hear about the future plans and priorities of the kids industry’s major content investors first-hand, as well as  participate in some Q&A and meet-and-greets. You are welcome to attend as many of these popular buyer briefing sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Space will be filled on a first-come, first-seated basis until we hit room capacity. 

Featuring:

Jules Borkent

EVP, Kids & Family

Viacom International Media Networks

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3:00pm

BREAK (3:00pm - 3:15pm)

3:15pm

Girl Talk (3:15pm - 4:00pm)

Sevilla

Shows with girls in the lead, and often in non-traditional roles, have become increasingly prevalent in kids media over the last few years. So how do production, broadcast and consumer products perspectives shape how a show is created primarily for girls? In this session, our panel of seasoned kids biz pros will explore that critical question and much more. 

Featuring:

Joe D'Ambrosia

EVP & General Manager

Disney ABC Television Group

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Jackie Edwards

Head of Fund, YACF (Young Audiences Content Fund)

CBeebies

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Jocelyn Hamilton

President

Corus Entertainment

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Lisa Henson

CEO

The Jim Henson Company

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Helen McAleer

IP, Publishing & Production Consultant

Walker Books Ltd and Walker Productions

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Content from a kid's-eye-view (3:15pm - 4:00pm)

Brickell

Put on your kid glasses! The child development experts at Insight Kids will look at the different developmental stages of kids zero to 12 and how the values of their parents’ generation and culture shape their play and connection to stories. They’ll review kids’ timeless needs as well as timely trends. Find out how these priorities impact kids’ entertainment diets and consumption patterns, and how you can best strategize for the future.

Featuring:

Stacey Matthias

Research and Development

Insight Strategy Group

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4:00pm

BREAK (4:00pm - 4:15pm)

4:15pm

Can They Build It? A Case Study of the New Bob the Builder (4:15pm - 5:00pm)

Sevilla

Join HIT Entertainment and research outfit Dubit as they present the challenges they faced in reimagining Bob the Builder for modern preschoolers in a changing media landscape. Dubit will unveil research that influenced HIT's plans for Bob V2.0, drawing on quantitative and qualitative data gleaned from interviews of more than 1,800 children in the UK and US. And HITwill offer insights into how this research influenced its relaunch strategy for Bob, and how other children's entertainment makers can do likewise.

Featuring:

Peter Robinson

Owner

Dubit

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Claudia Scott-Hansen

Co-Founder

HIT Entertainment

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Turning the Page: Making the Leap From Book to Screen Effectively (4:15pm - 5:00pm)

Brickell

Producing at the intersection of books and screens comes with unique creative challenges, but just what are the ups and downs of adapting stories from the main kidlit age categories—picture books, middle-grade and young adult—and how can a producer avoid or manage those challenges effectively? In this session, author Jeff Norton is joined by experts in this field to provide expert tips for tackling book-to-screen projects. 

Featuring:

Asaph Fipke

Chief Content Officer, DHX Studios

Nerd Corps Entertainment (Vancouver)

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Eddie Gamarra

CEO

The Gotham Group

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Jeff Norton

Head of Waterside Studios & Executive Producer, Geek Girl

AWESOME MEDIA

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Darragh O'Connell

Group Creative Director

Brown Bag Films

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Cocktails with... KiKA (4:15pm - 5:15pm)

Palm/Star Isle

Chat over drinks with leading kids broadcasters in this brand-new format that aims to loosen up the networking vibe and help you make deeper connections at channels that buy kids programming. This is designed as a networking opportunity, folks, so please save your pitch for a private meeting. NOTE: Advance sign-up required

Featuring:

Sebastian Debertin

Head of International Content Acquisitions & Co-Productions

KiKA - Der Kinderkanal of ARD & ZDF

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Cocktails with... Canal+ Youth (4:15pm - 5:15pm)

Hibiscus Isle

Chat over drinks with leading kids broadcasters in this brand-new format that aims to loosen up the networking vibe and help you make deeper connections at channels that buy kids programming. This is designed as a networking opportunity, folks, so please save your pitch for a private meeting. NOTE: Advance sign-up required

Featuring:

Laurence Blaevoet

Head of Children's Programs and Channels

Canal + Youth Department

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Cocktails with... Lagardère Active (4:15pm - 5:15pm)

Gusman

Chat over drinks with leading kids broadcasters in this brand-new format that aims to loosen up the networking vibe and help you make deeper connections at channels that buy kids programming. This is designed as a networking opportunity, folks, so please save your pitch for a private meeting. NOTE: Advance sign-up required

Featuring:

Caroline Cochaux

Producer

Lagardere Active Tv Channels -Gulli, CanalJ, Tiji, McM, JuneTv-

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Cocktails with... DHX Television (4:15pm - 5:15pm)

Tuttle

Chat over drinks with leading kids broadcasters in this brand-new format that aims to loosen up the networking vibe and help you make deeper connections at channels that buy kids programming. This is designed as a networking opportunity, folks, so please save your pitch for a private meeting. NOTE: Advance sign-up required

Featuring:

Michael Goldsmith

Head of Kids and Family

DHX Media

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Cocktails with... PBS KIDS (4:15pm - 5:15pm)

Dupont

Chat over drinks with leading kids broadcasters in this brand-new format that aims to loosen up the networking vibe and help you make deeper connections at channels that buy kids programming. This is designed as a networking opportunity, folks, so please save your pitch for a private meeting. NOTE: Advance sign-up required

Featuring:

Linda Simensky

Head of Animation & Scripted Content

PBS KIDS

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5:15pm

Kidscreen and iKids Awards Ceremony and After-Party (5:15pm - 7:30pm)

Bayfront

Join us as we celebrate the year’s best kids programming, broadcasting and digital media efforts at our annual Kidscreen Awards Ceremony, hosted by a renowned television personality Jessi Cruickshank, the recent host of Canada’s Smartest Person and the host of numerous programs that have aired on MTV Canada, Style Network, CTV, E! and NBC News. Be sure to stay for the after-party and hang with the winners and judges! 

Featuring:

Host

Jessi Cruickshank

Television Personality, Actress & Global Ambassador

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Wednesday, February 25

8:00am
10:00am

VOD: The Shape of Things to Come (10:00am - 11:00am)

Bayfront

The producers who best understand the capabilities of emerging media platforms will be able to optimize their content most effectively―and create the deepest engagement for the biggest audiences. While this may sound simple, deciding what this optimization looks like is anything but. For starters, some claim this generation has abandoned “consumable” narrative media in favor of “shareable” social media, while others like Netflix contend VOD will usher in a new age of totally immersive long-form epic storytelling. So which direction to choose? Our panel of kids media pros will have plenty of opinions on the shape of things to come.

Featuring:

Julien Borde

President

France Télévisions

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Jesse Cleverly

Creative Director

Wildseed Studios

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Eric Foster White

CEO

ShowMobile

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Heath Kenny

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

Gaumont Animation

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Gary Pope

CEO

Kids Industries

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Tackling Factual: A Guide for Creatives and Animation Producers (10:00am - 11:00am)

Sevilla

Factual entertainment for kids that’s produced in a variety of techniques has really come into its own as a hot genre in the kids space, but transitioning to this kind of content can present a number of issues for traditional animation producers. This session, produced by Justine Bannister, will take a look at the market demand for kids factual fare, associated production costs, financial models and the creative challenges involved in making reality-type programming that connects with target demos including preschool, kids and tweens/teens.

Featuring:

Sarah Baynes

Creative Director

The Creative Garden

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Michael Carrington

Managing Director & Executive Producer

ABC-TV

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Dylan Collins

CEO

Superawesome

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Jon Rutherford

President Global Rights Franchise & Content Strategy

Tricon Films & Television

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Michelle Sullivan

Head of U.S. Development Kids & Family Gaumont

National Geographic

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Winning Strategies For Doing Business In China (10:00am - 11:00am)

Brickell

With 180 million children under the age of eight in China, its family market is already the world’s largest. But how do you crack it open or even sign your first deal? Our panel of Chinese and Western media executives will share insights to help you unlock the secrets to entering the massive Chinese kids market. They'll explore the cultural nuances of business cards and dinners that shape a successful introduction and meeting, and examine the critical role that company profiles play in doing business in China. Finally, the panel will discuss the delicate issues of carrying out contracts and payments in the world's most populous country.

Featuring:

Sharon Gomes

Head of Production

Little Airplane Productions

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James Chen Gu

General Manager, Animation Studio

UYoung (Tianjin) Animation Culture & Media Co., Ltd.

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Adrian Roche

Co CEO

Auldey Toys North America

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Josh Selig

Founder & President

Little Airplane Productions

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Speed Pitching 1 (10:00am - 11:00am)

Merrick

Sit down one-on-one with top broadcasters and investors who have the power to greenlight your project. This highly effective networking format will feature 8-minute meetings again this year, giving you ample time to deliver the perfect pitch. NOTE: Advance sign-up required

Featuring:

Massimo Bruno

Director, TV Channels

De Agostini

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Jackie Edwards

Head of Fund, YACF (Young Audiences Content Fund)

CBeebies

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Chapman Maddox

Vice President of Content

FremantleMedia

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Karen K.Miller

President & CEO

Disney Channels Worldwide

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Lisa O'Brien

Creative Consultant

Sprout

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Jamie Piekarz

Content Producer/Creative Consultant

Corus Kids

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Orion Ross

VP Animation

Disney Channels EMEA

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Melissa Wolfe

Head, Animation Development

Amazon Studios

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30 Minutes with... Linda Simensky, PBS KIDS (10:00am - 10:30am)

Gusman

A returning favourite at the Summit, our 30 Minutes With…sessions give you a chance to hear about the future plans and priorities of the kids industry’s major content investors first-hand, as well as  participate in some Q&A and meet-and-greets. You are welcome to attend as many of these popular buyer briefing sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Space will be filled on a first-come, first-seated basis until we hit room capacity. 

Featuring:

Linda Simensky

Head of Animation & Scripted Content

PBS KIDS

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30 Minutes with... Sheila de Courcy, RTÉ Ireland (10:00am - 10:30am)

Tuttle

A returning favourite at the Summit, our 30 Minutes With…sessions give you a chance to hear about the future plans and priorities of the kids industry’s major content investors first-hand, as well as  participate in some Q&A and meet-and-greets. You are welcome to attend as many of these popular buyer briefing sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Space will be filled on a first-come, first-seated basis until we hit room capacity. 

Featuring:

Sheila de Courcy

RTE Group Head of Childrens and Controller Rtéjr

Radio Telefis Eireann- RTE Ireland

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Pauline Macnamara

Executive Producer, Animation & Commissioning

Radio Telefis Eireann- RTE Ireland

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30 Minutes with... Michael Goldsmith, DHX Television (10:00am - 10:30am)

Dupont

A returning favourite at the Summit, our 30 Minutes With…sessions give you a chance to hear about the future plans and priorities of the kids industry’s major content investors first-hand, as well as  participate in some Q&A and meet-and-greets. You are welcome to attend as many of these popular buyer briefing sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Space will be filled on a first-come, first-seated basis until we hit room capacity. 

Featuring:

Michael Goldsmith

Head of Kids and Family

DHX Media

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Sarah Haasz

Producer

DHX Media

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11:00am

BREAK (11:00am - 11:30am)

30 Minutes with... Alison Stewart, CBeebies (11:00am - 11:30am)

Gusman

A returning favourite at the Summit, our 30 Minutes With…sessions give you a chance to hear about the future plans and priorities of the kids industry’s major content investors first-hand, as well as  participate in some Q&A and meet-and-greets. You are welcome to attend as many of these popular buyer briefing sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Space will be filled on a first-come, first-seated basis until we hit room capacity. 

Featuring:

Alison Stewart

Children’s Media Consultant and Producer

BBC Children's

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30 Minutes with... Peter Gal, DreamWorks Animation (11:00am - 11:30am)

Tuttle

A returning favourite at the Summit, our 30 Minutes With…sessions give you a chance to hear about the future plans and priorities of the kids industry’s major content investors first-hand, as well as  participate in some Q&A and meet-and-greets. You are welcome to attend as many of these popular buyer briefing sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Space will be filled on a first-come, first-seated basis until we hit room capacity. 

Featuring:

Peter Gal

Chief Creative Officer, Television

DreamWorks Animation

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30 Minutes with... David Levine, Disney Channels EMEA (11:00am - 11:30am)

Dupont

A returning favourite at the Summit, our 30 Minutes With…sessions give you a chance to hear about the future plans and priorities of the kids industry’s major content investors first-hand, as well as  participate in some Q&A and meet-and-greets. You are welcome to attend as many of these popular buyer briefing sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Space will be filled on a first-come, first-seated basis until we hit room capacity. 

Featuring:

David Levine

Vice President, Kids Programming, Europe & Africa/UK & Ireland

The Walt Disney Company (EMEA)

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11:30am

Hunting for YouTube Talent (11:30am - 12:30pm)

Bayfront

Online talent is gaining more and more traction in kids entertainment. Just look at the traffic flocking to YouTube star channels like PewDiePie, who has 32 million subscribers and counting. While traditional prodcos are starting to scope out the space, there's a lot to learn about tracking down hot content creators and how their existing relationships with YouTube MCNs might impact their work on other platforms. Join our panel of leaders in the online and mobile landscape as they outline what the new deals with talent look like, how they evaluate credibility and starpower, and how deals might differ between live action and animation creators.

Featuring:

Rhiannon Apple

VP Integrated Marketing

Fullscreen Inc.

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Reed Berglund

CEO

FullBottle Group, Inc.

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Jeremy Dickson

Features & Special Projects Editor

Kidscreen

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Michael Ross

General Manager, Family

Maker Studios

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Fred Seibert

CEO

Frederator Networks

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Talking Tech: Storytelling with a Digital Twist (11:30am - 12:30pm)

Sevilla

Staying one step ahead of the digital curve is crucial for keeping stories relevant to today’s generation of plugged-in kids. And it looks like producers and kidnets are heeding the call to make technology part of the storytelling. But the challenge, of course, is staying on the bleeding edge without creating programming that becomes dated as quickly as the next-gen iPhone. We've assembled an expert panel to take you through the ins and outs of navigating this tricky space.

Featuring:

Jennifer Burkitt

Founder & Creative Director

Log Cabin Productions

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Sarah Muller

Senior Head of Commissioning (7+)

CBBC

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Sergi Reitg

Premium Content Director & Strategic Projecet Latin Iberia

Imira Entertainment

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Sander Schwartz

Producer

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Halle Stanford

President of Television, Executive Producer

The Jim Henson Company

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New Tech That Will Blow Your Mind! (11:30am - 12:30pm)

Brickell

We know not everyone has the time to scour the web for amazing feats in new technology, so we’re bringing a few of the most outstanding innovations poised to affect the kids business to Kidscreen Summit. Make sure you’re in the room for the big reveal.  

Featuring:

Daniel Bays

SVP, Development

BBC Children's

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Michael Houlahan

Head of Enterprise

ToyTalk

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Jon Howard

Executive Product Manager

BBC

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Henry Hsiao

VP, Strategic Development

HIT Entertainment / Mattel Inc.

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Jay Silver

CEO and Founder

JoyLabz/Makey Makey

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Speed Pitching 2 (11:30am - 12:30pm)

Merrick

Sit down one-on-one with top broadcasters and investors who have the power to greenlight your project. This highly effective networking format will feature 8-minute meetings again this year, giving you ample time to deliver the perfect pitch. NOTE: Advance sign-up required

Featuring:

Massimo Bruno

Director, TV Channels

De Agostini

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Natalie Dumoulin

VP of Creative Affairs

9 Story Media Group

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Jackie Edwards

Head of Fund, YACF (Young Audiences Content Fund)

CBeebies

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Keith Kennebeck

Director, Children’s Programming

PBS

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Layla Lewis

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

Nickelodeon

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Chapman Maddox

Vice President of Content

FremantleMedia

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Lynn Oldershaw

Consultant

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

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Andrew Thomas

VP, Content Partnerships

Hulu

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Leah Wolfson

Production Executive, Original Programming, Corus Kids

Corus Kids

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12:00pm

30 Minutes with... Cecilia Persson, Turner Broadcasting EMEA (12:00pm - 12:30pm)

Gusman

A returning favourite at the Summit, our 30 Minutes With…sessions give you a chance to hear about the future plans and priorities of the kids industry’s major content investors first-hand, as well as  participate in some Q&A and meet-and-greets. You are welcome to attend as many of these popular buyer briefing sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Space will be filled on a first-come, first-seated basis until we hit room capacity. 

Featuring:

Cecilia Persson

Managing Director, BBC Studios Kids & Family

Turner Broadcasting System EMEA

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30 Minutes with... Joe D'Ambrosia, Disney Junior (12:00pm - 12:30pm)

Tuttle

A returning favourite at the Summit, our 30 Minutes With…sessions give you a chance to hear about the future plans and priorities of the kids industry’s major content investors first-hand, as well as  participate in some Q&A and meet-and-greets. You are welcome to attend as many of these popular buyer briefing sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Space will be filled on a first-come, first-seated basis until we hit room capacity. 

Featuring:

Joe D'Ambrosia

EVP & General Manager

Disney ABC Television Group

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30 Minutes with... Benjamin Grubbs, YouTube (12:00pm - 12:30pm)

Dupont

A returning favourite at the Summit, our 30 Minutes With…sessions give you a chance to hear about the future plans and priorities of the kids industry’s major content investors first-hand, as well as  participate in some Q&A and meet-and-greets. You are welcome to attend as many of these popular buyer briefing sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Space will be filled on a first-come, first-seated basis until we hit room capacity. 

Featuring:

Benjamin Grubbs

Director, Global Head of Top Creators

YouTube

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12:30pm
2:00pm

The New Age of VOD (2:00pm - 3:00pm)

Sevilla

Kids are unquestionably taking their viewing online, and not just to Netflix. New ad-supported and SVOD services geared to children have been cropping up at a quick clip over the past 18 months, turning VOD from a buzzword to a bona fide business development strategy. This panel discussion will explore the main challenges facing the newest crop of VOD services, as well as gauging how business is growing in this space (if it really is), and when the VOD movement might start really paying out.

Featuring:

Greg Alkalay

CEO

batteryPOP

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Malcolm Bird

COO

The Viddiverse

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Michael Lowe

CEO

Kidoodle.TV

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Derek Sentner

VP Sales & Business Development

Driver Digital

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Tara Sorensen

Head of Children's Programming

Amazon Studios

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Best of the Web (2:00pm - 3:00pm)

Brickell

Join this fast-paced, curated romp through the most hilarious and inspired work you’ve likely never seen. Hosted by kids and millennial expert Amy Friedman, a panel of guest YouTube, Vine and YouNow makers and curators will each share their top-three picks from all over the web, with brief backstories on how the content got made, shared and used.

Featuring:

Mark Douglas

Producer, Barely Political

Google / Youtube

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Anastasia Douglas

Operations Strategist, YouTube Creative Strategy

Google / Youtube

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Amy Friedman

Founder & President

Senior Advisor, MTV Scratch

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Jake Roper

Host & Producer

Vsauce3

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Speed Pitching 3 (2:00pm - 3:00pm)

Merrick

Sit down one-on-one with top broadcasters and investors who have the power to greenlight your project. This highly effective networking format will feature 8-minute meetings again this year, giving you ample time to deliver the perfect pitch. NOTE: Advance sign-up required

Featuring:

Stephanie Betts

Executive Vice President, Content Creation

DHX Media

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Athena Georgaklis

Vice President

Corus Entertainment

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Liliana Reyes

SVP Content

Portfolio Entertainment

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Frank Saperstein

Writer & Executive Producer

Tricon Media

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Pierre Siracusa

Director of Animation, Children & Youth Department

France Télévisions

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Géraldine Soto

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

Canal+

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Alison Stewart

Children’s Media Consultant and Producer

BBC Children's

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Marion Winter

Senior Manager, Acquisitions & Co-Productions

Super RTL

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30 Minutes with... Caroline Cochaux, Lagardère Active (2:00pm - 2:30pm)

Gusman

A returning favourite at the Summit, our 30 Minutes With…sessions give you a chance to hear about the future plans and priorities of the kids industry’s major content investors first-hand, as well as  participate in some Q&A and meet-and-greets. You are welcome to attend as many of these popular buyer briefing sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Space will be filled on a first-come, first-seated basis until we hit room capacity. 

Featuring:

Maud Branly

Director, Children's Acquisitions & International TV Channels Programming

Lagardere Active

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Caroline Cochaux

Producer

Lagardere Active Tv Channels -Gulli, CanalJ, Tiji, McM, JuneTv-

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30 Minutes with... Jamie Piekarz, Corus Kids (YTV, Treehouse, Nickelodeon Canada) (2:00pm - 2:30pm)

Tuttle

A returning favourite at the Summit, our 30 Minutes With…sessions give you a chance to hear about the future plans and priorities of the kids industry’s major content investors first-hand, as well as  participate in some Q&A and meet-and-greets. You are welcome to attend as many of these popular buyer briefing sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Space will be filled on a first-come, first-seated basis until we hit room capacity. 

Featuring:

Jamie Piekarz

Content Producer/Creative Consultant

Corus Kids

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30 minutes With... Margaret Marshall, Sling TV (2:00pm - 2:30pm)

Dupont

A returning favourite at the Summit, our 30 Minutes With…sessions give you a chance to hear about the future plans and priorities of the kids industry’s major content investors first-hand, as well as  participate in some Q&A and meet-and-greets. You are welcome to attend as many of these popular buyer briefing sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Space will be filled on a first-come, first-seated basis until we hit room capacity. 

Featuring:

Meg Marshall

Programming Manager

DISH Network, LLC

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3:00pm

BREAK (3:00pm - 3:15pm)

3:15pm

The BIG Pitch! (3:15pm - 4:15pm)

Bayfront

The Big Make-Believe Network is returning to Kidscreen Summit, and two new series will be chosen to compete for a top slot in this death-defying live development session! A pair of creator/writer teams will present their pitches live on stage and make adjustments in real time, based on notes thrown at them by a panel of broadcast, licensing and production executives.

Featuring:

Sebastian Debertin

Head of International Content Acquisitions & Co-Productions

KiKA - Der Kinderkanal of ARD & ZDF

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Peter Gal

Chief Creative Officer, Television

DreamWorks Animation

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Rich Maryyanek

Partner and Chief Marketing Officer

Big Tent Entertainment

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Orion Ross

VP Animation

Disney Channels EMEA

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Dave Skwarczek

Writer and Producer

Eat Your Lunch

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Speed Pitching 4 (3:15pm - 4:15pm)

Merrick

Sit down one-on-one with top broadcasters and investors who have the power to greenlight your project. This highly effective networking format will feature 8-minute meetings again this year, giving you ample time to deliver the perfect pitch. NOTE: Advance sign-up required

Featuring:

Stephanie Betts

Executive Vice President, Content Creation

DHX Media

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Hugues Dufour

Production Executive

TELETOON

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Sarah Muller

Senior Head of Commissioning (7+)

CBBC

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Liliana Reyes

SVP Content

Portfolio Entertainment

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Frank Saperstein

Writer & Executive Producer

Tricon Media

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Pierre Siracusa

Director of Animation, Children & Youth Department

France Télévisions

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Géraldine Soto

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

Canal+

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Marion Winter

Senior Manager, Acquisitions & Co-Productions

Super RTL

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4:15pm

Cocktails with... Sprout (4:15pm - 5:15pm)

Gusman

Chat over drinks with leading kids broadcasters in this brand-new format that aims to loosen up the networking vibe and help you make deeper connections at channels that buy kids programming. This is designed as a networking opportunity, folks, so please save your pitch for a private meeting. NOTE: Advance sign-up required

Featuring:

Andrew Beecham

Consultant

Sprout

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Cocktails with... Super RTL (4:15pm - 5:15pm)

Tuttle

Chat over drinks with leading kids broadcasters in this brand-new format that aims to loosen up the networking vibe and help you make deeper connections at channels that buy kids programming. This is designed as a networking opportunity, folks, so please save your pitch for a private meeting. NOTE: Advance sign-up required

Featuring:

Frank Dietz

Head of Acquisitions &
Co-Productions

Super RTL

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Cocktails with... Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Tooncast Latin America (4:15pm - 5:15pm)

Dupont

Chat over drinks with leading kids broadcasters in this brand-new format that aims to loosen up the networking vibe and help you make deeper connections at channels that buy kids programming. This is designed as a networking opportunity, folks, so please save your pitch for a private meeting. NOTE: Advance sign-up required

Featuring:

Barry Koch

SVP/GM, Cartoon Network, Latin America

Cartoon Network

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Cocktails with... Kids' CBC (4:15pm - 5:15pm)

Flagler

Chat over drinks with leading kids broadcasters in this brand-new format that aims to loosen up the networking vibe and help you make deeper connections at channels that buy kids programming. This is designed as a networking opportunity, folks, so please save your pitch for a private meeting. NOTE: Advance sign-up required

Featuring:

Kim Wilson

Director

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

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Thursday, February 26

8:00am

Delegate Lounge is Open (8:00am - 4:00pm)

Registration Desk