Speakers

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Tiffany Aguilar

Vice President, Research & Strategy

MarketCast


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Gabriela Arenas

Vice President, North America Licensing

Sesame Workshop


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Cathryn Asip

Associate Director, Content

PBS KIDS

Catie Asip serves as senior associate, content for children’s programming at PBS, where she oversees new series development. She works with series creators from pitch to pilot, helping shape their projects for the PBS KIDS audience. She also serves as production executive for a number of current PBS KIDS series,...show more

Featured in: Cocktails with... PBS KIDS; Coffee with...; Coffee with...; Coffee with...; Coffee with...


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Evan Baily

President

Consolidated Baily


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Jeremy Banks

Chief Executive

Coolabi Group

Jeremy is an intellectual property expert with a track record of success stretching over more than 20 years.  Having spent several years as a private equity investor specialising in developing and executing strategies in the children’s media and branded content sectors, Jeremy has spent the last 18 years growing successful...show more

Featured in: Lunching with... Digital Media Experts


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Justine Bannister

Founder & Creative Facilitator

Just B

Justine is a trilingual independent children’s media consultant with 25 years experience in the children’s entertainment industry that she accrued most notably at 20th Century Fox, Disney Channels France, Lagardère Studios, TV Loonland, Dagaud-Mediatoon, and PGS Entertainment.  Her skillset spans animation and live action production, development and post-production, distribution, acquisitions, co-productions,...show more

Featured in: Brainpick—Money Talks


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Nadine Bates

Co-CEO/Co-Founder

Like A Photon Creative


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Judith Beauregard

Co-CEO & Executive Producer

Tobo

Judith Beauregard has an enviable 20-year track record of producing smart digital media content for kids. As a founder of the digital studio Tobo, she brings infectious enthusiasm for youth production to all her collaborations with producers and broadcasters. Previously Judith was a digital media producer at Tribal Nova and at...show more

Featured in: Moving Mountains: Creating Content for Displaced Kids


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Kim Berglund

VP, Development

Disney Junior

Kim Berglund is Executive Director, Development, Disney Junior. In this role, Berglund oversees series development of original animated television properties for the Disney Junior audience of kids 2-7.

Prior to joining Disney Junior, Berglund was a key creative executive and curriculum director for PBS Kids, working on award-winning television series including...show more

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Kim Berglund & Diane Ikemiyashiro, Disney Junior; Cocktails with... Disney; Speed Pitching 2


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Matthew Berkowitz

CCO

Thunderbird Entertainment & Atomic Cartoons

Matthew Berkowitz is the Chief Creative Officer of Atomic Cartoons and Thunderbird Entertainment and oversees the development, production and acquisition of intellectual properties across both companies. A seasoned executive with over a decade in the industry, Matthew is an Executive Producer of Atomic and Netflix's The Last Kids on Earth...show more

Featured in: Hacking the SVOD Algorithm


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Mark Bishop

Co-President, Blue Ant Studios

marblemedia

Mark Bishop is Co-CEO and Partner at marblemedia. An accomplished entrepreneur, brand-builder and trusted media industry advocate, Mark, alongside co-founder Matt Hornburg, has grown marblemedia into one of Canada’s leading independent production, distribution and digital media companies.

In addition to serving as executive producer across marblemedia’s successful portfolio of television and...show more

Featured in: Redefining Pubcasting in an OTT Universe; MASTER CLASS—Recession-Proof Your Bottom Line


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Brenda Bisner

Chief Content Officer

Kidoodle.TV

BRENDA BISNER is the Chief Content Officer 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 for all new business development...show more

Featured in: Lunching with... Digital Media Experts


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Michael Blum

Owner & CCO

Pipsqueak Animation

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

Featured in: Brainpick—Getting Creative


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Alessandro Bogliari

CEO & Co-Founder

The Influencer Marketing Factory

Featured in: Everything, Explained


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Adam Bonnett

Executive Producer

Mattel

As Executive Producer of Mattel Television, Adam Bonnett is responsible for developing and producing episodic content based on Mattel’s portfolio of iconic brands. He leads development and production for all of Mattel’s television programming, which includes Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures, Masters of the Universe: RevelationFireman Sam, Polly Pocket and Thomas and Friends. Under Adam’s...show more

Featured in: The Franchise Debate: Are Kids Sick of the Same Old IPs?


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Philippe Bony

Head of Thematic & Youth Channels, President of Gulli

M6 - Metropole Television

Philippe Bony began his career at Paris Première when the channel was created.

After working as Head of Development at Lyonnaise Communications, he joined the French satellite platform TPS's creative team in 1996, where he then became Deputy Managing Director in charge of programmes.

He joined M6 Group in 2005 as Deputy...show more

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Philippe Bony, M6


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Jules Borkent

EVP, Kids & Family

Viacom International Media Network


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Susan Brandt

President & CEO

Dr. Seuss Enterprises

As President of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P., Brandt spearheads the global Dr. Seuss business including managing the entertainment, digital, media, publishing and consumer package goods business units.  Her primary focus in this role is to protect the integrity of the Dr. Seuss portfolio while expanding the property into new product...show more

Featured in: The Next Chapter; Lunching with... Licensing Experts


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Maud Branly

Director, Children's Acquisitions & International TV Channels Programming

M6 - Metropole Télévision

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: Speed Pitching 2; Speed Pitching 1


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Deirdre Brennan

Chief Operating Officer

WildBrain

Deirdre Brennan, Executive Vice President of Content Partnerships at WildBrain, plays a key role in WildBrain’s content group, overseeing the company’s global distribution business as well as its suite of Family-branded broadcast channels in Canada. Ms. Brennan previously worked for NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment as General Manager, Universal Kids, where she...show more

Featured in: What Keeps You Up at Night?


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Marty Brochstein

SVP, Industry Relations and Information

Licensing International

Marty Brochstein is responsible for Licensing International’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 Licensing International’s publishing operations, including the Inside...show more

Featured in: MENTOR CLASS—Countdown to Licensing; The Skinny on CP Timelines


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Hedda Bruessing

Head of Media Business

BNNVARA

Hedda Bruessing has been working in the film and television industry since 1996. She joined the production team of the Oscar winning feature film Character and worked as an executive producer and producer on a wide range of television programs for public broadcasters including; multi camera live programs, documentaries, current affair- and...show more

Featured in: Speed Pitching 1; Coffee with...; Coffee with...; Coffee with...; Coffee with...


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Massimo Bruno

Director, TV Channels

De Agostini Editore Spa


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Christopher Byrne

President

Byrne Communications/The Toy Guy

A 30-year-plus veteran of the toy industry, Chris held major marketing and creative positions in the early part of his career. Since 1988, he has run Byrne Communications, a consultancy that works in produce development and marketing. He consults on entertainment and licensing (animated and live action), has written seven...show more

Featured in: MASTER CLASS—Majoring in Trendspotting; Trendspotting 101


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Cristian Cabero

SVP, Consumer Products & Location-Based Experiences, Americas

ViacomCBS Networks International


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Alice Cahn

Founder

Cahnworks

Alice Cahn is a mostly, and thankfully,  retired social responsibility, media and education executive experienced in creating projects and brands that lead to successful cross-sector partnerships; stimulate employee engagement; and contribute to positive social change. 

Experience includes Turner Broadcasting’s Cartoon Network where she created content and projects that drove ratings and increased...show more

Featured in: KEYNOTE— Reframing Empathy: Lessons from Cesar Millan


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Bruna Capozzoli

Head of Creative Content

Popcorn Digital

Bruna Capozzoli is a digital specialist who directs, produces and creates content that resonates with audiences in meaningful ways. At Popcorn Digital, Bruna helps leading kids’ entertainment brands navigate the challenges of the digital space by designing relevant strategies and producing original YouTube content for young audiences...show more

Featured in: Digital 360 Strategies: Making the Money Work


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George Carey

CEO

The Family Room

George Carey is a leading expert on the emotional drivers of human and consumer decision making.  At the heart of his work is a fourteen-year study on the core hopes, fears, anxieties, and dreams we are most focused on today, and how they are shifting in response to their cultural...show more

Featured in: Future-Proof Your Franchise


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Clara Carpinacci

Head of Content Strategy

Walt Disney Television International (Latin America)

Clara Carpinacci is Head of Content Strategy for Disney Channels, Latam Region, and is also in charge of S&P Compliance.

With Disney in the Programming team since 2004, Clara oversees Content strategy for the Channels, both localized and original productions for Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior & NatGeoKids.

Prior to joining...show more

Featured in: Coffee with...; Coffee with...; Coffee with...; Cocktails with... Disney; Coffee with...


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Lana Castleman

Director, Marketing & Communications

Writers Guild of Canada

Lana Castleman is the Director of Communications for the Writers Guild of Canada, which represents more than 2,300 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 with the...show more

Featured in: Showrunners: Not Just For Grown-Ups Anymore


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Ben Cawood

SVP, TV Development

DreamWorks Animation

As Senior Vice President of Television Development for DreamWorks Animation, Ben Cawood and his team are charged with 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...show more


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Scott Chambers

SVP, North America Media and Licensing

Sesame Workshop


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Thom Chapman

VP Sales & Distribution, Entertainment

Spin Master Ltd.

As Sr. Director, Sales & Distribution at Spin Master, Thom oversees the global distribution and monetization strategy/execution on all of Spin Master’s properties with a focus on expanding the company’s presence in the digital market. Prior to Spin Master, he spent 5 years at DHX Media managing the company’s catalogue...show more

Featured in: Beyond YouTube


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David (Myung Keun) Cho

Head of Animation

SK broadband

I have been responsible for Animation business team as a leader since 2017.

-        Invested in animation TV series such as The Little Penguin Pororo series, Super Zack, Time Traveler Luck, The Curious World of Linda and feature films

such as Fly Superboard and Pororo Treasure Island Adventure.

-        Acquired Kids contents from...show more

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... David Cho, SK Broadband


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Beatrice Chow

VP, PR & Publicity

Sesame Workshop



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Carly Ciarrocchi

Host/Writer

Carly Ciarrocchi is a performer, writer/creator and morning enthusiast. Her journey in children’s television began when she was hired as a host and writer for Sprout’s live preschool morning show Sunny Side Up. Right now, find her on Universal Kids as the host of Snug’s House and The Big Fun...show more

Featured in: Everything, Explained


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Rick Clodfelter

Executive Director, Content Acquisitions & Partnerships

Garden Place Media

Rick Clodfelter is founder of Garden Place Media, a consulting firm specializing in identifying, acquiring and executing strategy for kids and family content which drive revenues across media platforms.

Clodfelter is formerly senior director of content strategy and acquisitions for Universal Kids where he sourced and acquired programming and identifies content...show more

Featured in: Brainpick—Getting Creative


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Jess Cuffe

2D Artist for Animation

WB Animation

Graduated from the Academy of Art University with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Animation and VFX with a focus in Character Design and 2D Animation, Jess has been given opportunities to work on a multitude of projects. From short films and comic books to web shorts and television shows,...show more

Featured in: Quite the Character


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Ken Cuperus

Creator & Writer & Producer

Headspinner Productions

Ken Cuperus is an Emmy nominated writer/producer/showrunner with over one hundred hours of produced television credits, on such series as Stargate: Atlantis, The Listener, Frankie Drake, My Babysitter’s a Vampire, Mr. Young, Berenstain Bears, and Total Drama Island

Ken is also the co-creator/showrunner of award winning multi-cam sitcom, The Stanley Dynamic,...show more

Featured in: Fear Factor


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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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Aaron Davidson

Development Executive

HBO Max

Aaron Davidson is a Director of Animation at HBO Max covering preschool through adult original programming. Among his projects are Little Ellen, Mechabuilders, Boondocks and Gremlins: Secrets of The Mogwai. Previously, he spent more than five years at Amazon Studios where he developed and produced award-winning animated and live action family series including Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street, Annedroids, Dino...show more


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Danielle Davies

Global Kids & Family-Content, Strategy & Partnerships.

Discovery Kids Media

Danielle Davies is Vice President, Kids Content Partnerships and Revenue for Discovery Kids Media, responsible for leading the worldwide exploitation of all Discovery Kids titles in both broadcast and L&M. Davies has over 22 years’ experience in the TV Industry. Through all these years she has acquired a vast knowledge...show more

Featured in: Pitch Doctoring 1; Pitch Doctoring 2


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Daphné de Beauffort

EVP, Animation Acquisitions

TF1

Daphné holds a Master Degree Law in 1996 at Louvain-La-Neuve University in Belgium with a specialization in intellectual property rights. She began her career at Turner Broadcasting System in London as Sales Manager in the distribution department. Then she joined K Creation in 1998, a graphic design company based in...show more

Featured in: Coffee with...; Coffee with...; Coffee with...; Coffee with...


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Carla de Jong

Head of Production/Executive Producer

Sinking Ship Entertainment

Carla is an Emmy nominated Producer and Executive Producer specializing in children’s and youth series. In her current role as Head of Production at Sinking Ship Entertainment, Carla oversees a slate of exciting live action and mixed media projects as well as leading the development and financing of a numerous co-productions....show more

Featured in: SOLD OUT!— MENTOR CLASS—Series Budgeting 101



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Michael Dee

Director, Coolabi Productions

Coolabi

Featured in: Fear Factor


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Bella Desai

Director, Public Programs & Exhibition Education

American Museum of Natural History

Bella Desai, Director of Public Programs and Exhibition Education at the American Museum of Natural History, creates innovative experiences that drive wonder and learning for families and adults at the Museum, where she has worked since 2007. Bella also integrates the efforts of the Education and Exhibition teams, and leads several...show more

Featured in: Let Us Blow Your Mind: Storytelling Reinvented


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Genevieve Dexter

Founder & CEO

Serious Kids

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 the Executive Producer of Messy Goes to Okido, Horrible Science, Angelo Rules and many more.  She is a serial...show more

Featured in: Brainpick—Money Talks


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Jeremy Dickson

Features & Special Projects Editor

Kidscreen

Featured in: Made for TV?


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Frank Dietz

Head of Acquisitions &
Co-Productions

SUPER RTL



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Agustina Dompe

Sr Manager Content Acquisition

The Walt Disney Company Latin America

Agustina María Dompé serves as Acquisitions Manager for the kids Channels at The Walt Disney Company Latin America, and is in charge of selecting and negotiating the acquisition of content for Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD and NatGeo Kids.

Dompé has been in the Company since November 2007, and has...show more

Featured in: Coffee with...; Coffee with...; Coffee with...; Coffee with...


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Monica Dreger

VP, Head of Global Consumer Insights

Mattel

Monica currently oversees all worldwide research initiatives for Mattel for the entire portfolio of brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price and American Girl. A kid and cultural trend influencer, Monica has previously held senior roles with other iconic companies including Unilever (where she oversaw research for Dove and Axe) and more...show more

Featured in: Fear Factor


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Olivier Dumont

President, Hasbro Entertainment

eOne Family & Brands

As President of eOne’s Family & Brands division, Olivier oversees all commercial and creative activities for the division across all media, including development, production, sales, licensing and merchandising. His responsibilities include developing properties into global TV, home entertainment, new media and licensing and merchandising brands while supervising all of eOne's...show more

Featured in: What Keeps You Up at Night?; Classic Play Patterns for a Modern Age


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Patrick Egerton

Co-Founder & Executive Producer

Cheeky Little Media

Patrick has been developing and producing content for well over two decades. He co-founded Cheeky Little with David Webster in 2013 and specialises in the creation, development and production of animated series and films. Previous roles include executive producer for international co-production at Ambience Entertainment, Head of Development at Chief,...show more

Featured in: Pitch Doctoring 2; Pitch Doctoring 1


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Misty Eyez

Director of Women's, Transgender & Training/Education Services

SunServe

Misty Eyez joined SunServe in 2015 as an educator and trainer to help create and launch the LGBTQ Proficiency Training and Consulting Program. Soon afterwards, she added on the responsibilities of case management for transgender clients, linking clients to biomedical preventions, mental health therapists and other vital services. In 2019, Misty was...show more

Featured in: Everything, Explained


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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: The Franchise Debate: Are Kids Sick of the Same Old IPs?


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Frank Falcone

President & Executive Creative Director

Guru Studio

Frank Falcone has been bringing film and television projects to life as an animator, director and executive producer for over 25 years. Under his creative vision, Guru Studio has become a leader in character-driven storytelling and high-quality animated entertainment for kids and families around the world. Guru’s roster of hit...show more

Featured in: Classic Play Patterns for a Modern Age


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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, Fan was the 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...show more


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Ashley Fell

Social Researcher & Director of Advisory

McCrindle

Ashley Fell is a social researcher, TEDx speaker and Team Leader of Communications at the internationally recognised McCrindle. As a trends analyst she understands the need to communicate with the emerging generations to effectively engage with them. From her extensive experience in media and communications, Ashley advises on how to...show more

Featured in: KEYNOTE—Gen Alpha, Engaged


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Luiz Filipe Figueira

Head of Content Strategy, International Co-Productions & Acquisitions

Globo/Gloob & Gloobinho

Luiz Filipe Figueira has been a key executive at Grupo Globo since his début as a creative editor for the international market and, through the years, as a content executive responsible for the curatorship and commissioning for several channels and platforms amongst Globo's pay tv and SVOD services.

Since...show more

Featured in: Speed Pitching 2; Speed Pitching 1


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Josh Fisher

Producer, Creator, Consultant

I Josh Around

Josh Fisher is an Emmy award winning executive with years of experience creating, developing, and producing successful and engaging content for young audiences.  He's been part of big global franchises and also worked closely with talented artists and creators to help guide them as they build their shows.  He’s produced and...show more

Featured in: Pitch Doctoring 1; Pitch Doctoring 2


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Justine Flynn

Company Director

Buster Productions


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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 Entertainment™ is the home of the Super Simple™ preschool brand, whose YouTube channels (including Super Simple Songs...show more

Featured in: Beyond YouTube


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Elizabeth Foster

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Kidscreen

Featured in: Trendspotting 101


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Karen Fowler

VP, Development & Production

9 Story Media Group

Karen Fowler is a multi-Emmy® award winning Executive Producer, Showrunner and Producer with a proven track record of taking projects from development to production. Karen was Executive Producer of The Sesame Workshop/PBS reboot of The Electric Company, which earned over 20 Emmy® nominations and won 10, including Outstanding Children’s Series in 2010,...show more

Featured in: Pitch Doctoring 2; Pitch Doctoring 1


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Julie Fox

Head of Development France & Europe, Gaumont Animation & Family

Serendipity Animation

With over 25 years’ experience in the International Distribution business starting with roles in French indie prodcos and Major structures, later creating her own award winning distribution entity, Julie’s skills also include IP Scouting and Acquisitions, Content Evaluation/Curation, Content Development, Business Affairs, Brand Management and Exec Producer (Creative/Marketing) roles.
...show more

Featured in: Pitch Doctoring 2; Pitch Doctoring 1


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Caroline Fraser

Head of HarperCollins Productions

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Caroline Fraser is the Head of HMH Productions, which is a division within Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, the largest K-12 content company and a world class publisher.  HMH Productions is a content incubator, production company, and brand manager, across all media platforms.  She oversees both the creative development and business strategy,...show more

Featured in: The Next Chapter


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Samantha Freeman

Operating Partner, Media Business

TRAUB

Samantha Freeman is an Entrepreneurial CEO, Consumer Product Executive and Harvard Business School graduate with over 25 years of experience developing and growing successful children’s brands and businesses, from creative concept through development, licensing, production, retail placement and marketing execution for leading consumer product and entertainment companies.

Sam started her career...show more

Featured in: Lunching with... Licensing Experts; The Skinny on CP Timelines


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Emilie Frelon

Founder

Koala Media Consulting

Following a career in Mergers and Acquisitions for PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Emilie spearheaded the finance department of CAKE Entertainment, a world leading kids and family entertainment company since 2010.

During her tenure, Emilie supervised the company’s rapid global expansion and structured the financing of their international TV co-productions.

Emilie founded Koala Media Consulting to...show more

Featured in: Brainpick—Money Talks


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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: Everything, Explained


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Donna Friedman Meir

CEO & Founder

WOW Explorations

Donna is the CEO/Founder of WOW Explorations, a company dedicated to designing and developing innovative entertainment experiences that create memorable “WOW moments” for kids and families. Her first venture, WOWtopia (working title) will launch in the spring of 2021. Donna is also the Executive Producer of a select group of...show more

Featured in: Let Us Blow Your Mind: Storytelling Reinvented


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Peter Gal

Chief Creative Officer, Television

DreamWorks Animation

As Chief Creative Officer, Television, for DreamWorks Animation, Gal oversees development, preschool, casting, music, current series and creative talent management for the studio’s rapidly growing slate of original series, including the content for DreamWorks’ groundbreaking multi-year deal with Netflix as well as Peacock, Amazon, Hulu, Universal Kids and other leading...show more

Featured in: Speed Pitching 3



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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: Beyond YouTube; Brainpick—Money Talks


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Gyimah Gariba

Assistant Director/ Creator

Guru Studio

Growing up in Ghana, Gyimah discovered his love of drawing while bringing his favourite cartoon characters to life. His distinct style has been praised by Forbes Magazine, who named him one of “15 Young African Creative’s Rebranding Africa” in 2015. He has a self-published Children’s book,The Little Black Cloud, and...show more

Featured in: Quite the Character


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Leo Geng

Senior Vice President

iQIYI

Mr.Geng Danhao, Master candidate, School of Journalism & Communication, Tsinghua University. Now he has been the Senior Vice President of iQIYI.

From 1998 to 2009, Mr.Geng Danhao was working in SOHU. In 2007 Mr.Geng worked as the general manager of Focus Network.

In March, 2009, Mr.Geng...show more

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Leo Geng, iQIYI


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Athena Georgaklis

Vice President

Nelvana

Athena Georgaklis is the Head of Development for Nelvana.  A highly respected animation executive, Athena leads the acquisition of rights and the development of all original content for Nelvana. Athena is committed to develop creator-driven content, working with the studio’s producers, creators, and talent around the world that will resonate...show more

Featured in: The Next Chapter


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Tommy Gillespie

Senior Director, Content Production

PBS KIDS

As director of children’s programming, Tommy Gillespie leads the strategic rollout of video content for PBS KIDS, including scheduling and content planning for the national children’s service and the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel and live stream. He is also the production executive on several series, including the Emmy-winning Arthur, now...show more

Featured in: Speed Pitching 2; Speed Pitching 1; Cocktails with... PBS KIDS


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David Glauber

Creative Lead, Dodo Kids

The Dodo

Dave Glauber is the Creative Lead for Dodo Kids — a new children's programming brand from The Dodo, the no. 1 animal brand on mobile and most engaged with media brand in the world on social. Dave has worked in kids media for over ten years in positions at Sesame Workshop,...show more

Featured in: Lunching with... Digital Media Experts


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Richard Goldsmith

President, Global Distribution & Consumer Products

Cyber Group Studios USA, a subsidiary of Cyber Group Studios

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 for Paris-based...show more

Featured in: The Successful Pivot: A Gigantosaurus Case Study


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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: Brainpick—Getting Creative


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Jane Gould

Co-Founder & Partner Wonderworks Insights

Disney Channels Worldwide

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: Keeping Kids Captivated; Cocktails with... Disney; What Keeps You Up at Night?


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Bill Graham

President

PhatMojo

Bill Graham serves as PhatMojo's Chief Marketing Officer.  In this capacity, Graham leads the LA-based toy company's marketing, brand evaluation, licensing, and communication globally. PhatMojo’s portfolio includes Bendy and the Ink Machine, TABS, Baldi’s Basics, Showdown Bandit, FGTeeV, Paddington, Pete the Cat, Llama Llama, The Office, Friends, Bob’s Burgers, and more. 

Prior to...show more

Featured in: MENTOR CLASS—Countdown to Licensing


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Linda Granath

Head of Acquisitions, Children's Content

SVT Swedish Television


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Melanie Grisanti

Executive/Creative Producer

Sesame Workshop


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Sarah Haasz

Producer

Cottonwood Media


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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.  As the CEO of Tinkercast, Meredith leads the vision and execution of business, partnerships, brand and marketing strategies and oversees day-to-day operations....show more

Featured in: Brainpick—Beyond the Screen


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Or Handelsman

Director, Global Acquisitions & Content Partnerships, Kids & Family

Nickelodeon

Or Handelsman is Senior Manager of International Acquisitions for Nickelodeon at ViacomCBS International Media Networks, a role he assumed in February 2019. In his role, Handelsman is responsible for sourcing, negotiating and managing content acquisitions for Nickelodeon channels on an international and pan-regional basis. Working closely with the programming heads...show more

Featured in: Speed Pitching 2; Cocktails with... Nickelodeon


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Megan Haynes

n/a

Kidscreen

Featured in: Greener Pastures


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Claire Heinrich

Head of Acquisitions, Children's & Youth Department

France Télévisions


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Bob Higgins

President

Boat Rocker Media

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 Dino Ranch.

Before Boat Rocker, Bob served as EVP...show more

Featured in: From Milestones to the New Normal


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Whit Higgins

EVP, Head of Global Enterprise

Sesame Workshop


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Hollie Holmes

VP, Global Licensing

Mattel, Inc.


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Craig Hunter

Executive Producer & Consultant/Advisor

Sony Pictures Entertainment


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Emma Hunter

Actor/Comedian

Emma Hunter is an actor and comic living in Toronto. Credits for Hunter include: CTV'S The Beaverton, Letterkenny, Match Game, Spun Out, Pop Quiz and appearing in two galas for Just For Laughs, For CBC, hosting the 2018 Canadian Screen Awards, MR D, Save Me, Royal Canadian Air Farce, This...show more

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


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Henrietta Hurford-Jones

Creative Director, Production, Indie Partnerships

BBC Studios

Henrietta Hurford-Jones is Director of Children’s at BBC Studios.  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... BBC Studios


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Diane Ikemiyashiro

VP, Current Series

Disney Junior

Diane Ikemiyashiro is executive director, Original Programming, Disney Junior. She currently oversees production and creative development for the Emmy® Award-nominated series Fancy Nancy and the upcoming Mira, Royal Detective, a mystery-adventure series inspired by the cultures and customs of India.

Ikemiyashiro played a key role in launching the Emmy® and Imagen Award-winning...show more

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Kim Berglund & Diane Ikemiyashiro, Disney Junior; Coffee with...; Coffee with...; Coffee with...; Coffee with...; Cocktails with... Disney


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Keion Jackson

Screenwriter & Creator

As a kid, Keion Jackson always sat “too close” to the TV. And now that he’s a screenwriter and creator, he’s even closer! Keion’s passions for creative writing, television, and making the world a better place have combined like a Power Rangers Megazord to form an exciting career in TV....show more

Featured in: Groundwork for Growth: Setting New Creators Up to Succeed


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Maarten Janssen

Head of Kids & Youth VRT (Ketnet)

VRT

Featured in: Speed Pitching 4


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Aly Jetha

CEO and Co-Founder

Big Bad Boo

Aly Jetha is CEO of Big Bad Boo Studios, which produces and distributes quality cartoons for kids. Based in New York and Vancouver, Big Bad Boo’s catalogue includes The Bravest Knight (Hulu), 16 Hudson (TVO Kids), 1001 Nights (Teletoon), Lili & Lola (ICI TV), and Mixed Nutz1001 Nights, nominated for 15 LEOs with 4 wins,...show more

Featured in: Moving Mountains: Creating Content for Displaced Kids


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J.J. Johnson

Partner, Executive Producer

Sinking Ship Entertainment

J.J. Johnson is the creative force and founding partner of Sinking Ship Entertainment. He is an Emmy award-winning executive producer and director, and Emmy-nominated writer, with international acclaim for over 15 series and 500 episode credits. He and Sinking Ship Entertainment are globally recognized for such successes as Annedroids, Odd...show more

Featured in: Greener Pastures


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Karin Jue

Senior Director, Streaming Media & Children's Media and Education Strategy

PBS KIDS

Over the last 12 years, Karin Jue has managed multi-platform video experiences for kids ages 2-8, delivering award-winning content from series such as Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Wild Kratts, Odd Squad, Pinkalicious & Peteriffic, Let's Go Luna!, Molly of Denali, Xavier Riddle & the Secret Museum and more. Karin leads the strategic...show more

Featured in: Lunching with... Digital Media Experts; Cocktails with... PBS KIDS


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Vince Kadlubek

Co-Founder & Executive Advisor

Meow Wolf

Vince Kadlubek is a Co-founder and Executive Advisor at Meow Wolf, an art collective that has transformed into an award winning Art and Entertainment Production Company that specializes in immersive, open-world walk through experiences. Vince acted as leader and CEO for Meow Wolf though its formidable years, having created the...show more

Featured in: Let Us Blow Your Mind: Storytelling Reinvented


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Edward Kay

Writer/Producer

Ernest Scribbler Productions Inc

Edward Kayis an award-winning screenwriter, author, and producer with an extensive background in both live-action and animated television for kids.

He is the co-creator of three successful kids' television series, Jimmy Two Shoes, Finding Stuff Out, and Olliver's Adventures. Edward is also the author of three novels for children, and one...show more

Featured in: Showrunners: Not Just For Grown-Ups Anymore


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Christopher Keenan

Independent Producer

Mattel Television

Christopher Keenan is a highly accomplished creative executive, producer and writer who has enjoyed over thirty 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.  

Currently engaged by Mattel as Senior...show more

Featured in: Pitch Doctoring 2; Classic Play Patterns for a Modern Age; Pitch Doctoring 1


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Heath Kenny

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

Mercury Filmworks

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Lauren Kisilevsky

Executive Vice President, Live Action Family, Kids & Young Adult

Disney Channel

Lauren Kisilevsky, vice president, Original Movies, Disney Channel, is responsible for creative development of Disney Channel Original Movies as well Disney Channel-produced movies for Disney+.  Her responsibilities include leading a team of creative executives as well as collaborating with writers, directors and producers to generate new projects, overseeing the creative...show more

Featured in: Cocktails with... Disney; Made for TV?


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Telidja Klaï

Content Manager (Ketnet)

VRT-Vlaamse Radio en Televisie



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Tatiana Kober

President

Bejuba! Entertainment

Tatiana started Bejuba! Entertainment 16 years ago to specialize in the executive production, and distribution of children’s and family entertainment across all platforms.  Today the company has just under 1000 half hours of programming with shows like Wishfart, Booba, Ruff-Ruff, Tweet and Dave, The Hive, and Big Block SingSong.   With...show more

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Shanna Kohn

Senior Education Manager of Humanitarian Programs

Sesame Workshop

Shanna Kohn is the Senior Education Manager of Humanitarian Programs at Sesame Workshop. She leads curriculum development, program design, and the creation of multimedia teaching and learning materials forAhlan Simsim,an early childhood development initiative serving the needs of Syrian children displaced by conflict in Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria. This...show more

Featured in: Moving Mountains: Creating Content for Displaced Kids; Cocktails with... Sesame Workshop


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Amy Kraft

Senior Director of Development

Pinna

Amy Kraft is Director of Development and Children’s Programming at Pinna. She is a children’s media veteran who has developed innovative and interactive entertainment with companies including Scholastic, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Sesame Workshop, Spin Master, Microsoft, Kyowon, Barnes and Noble, and Leap Frog. She was cofounder of the children’s content...show more

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Christian Kurz

SVP, Global Consumer Insights

Viacom


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Yann Labasque

Director, Youth Programming

TF1

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: Speed Pitching 4


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Yang Lan

Investment Associate

Tencent Company


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Brandon Lane

VP, Creative

Nelvana


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Cort Lane

VP, Original Content,
Fashion Brands

Marvel Entertainment

Cort Lane is Marvel’s Senior Vice President, Animation & Family Entertainment. As a life-long Marvel fan, Lane is thrilled to develop and produce shows within the rich Marvel Universe. Drawing on a wealth of experience in entertainment, interactive media and marketing for children, Lane leads Marvel’s expanding slate of kid...show more

Featured in: Quite the Character


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Susie Lecker

President

SRL Consulting


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Kristin Lecour

VP, Consumer Products

9 Story Media Group

Kristin Lecour has been in the entertainment industry for 15 years with a focus on multiplatform brand development, licensing and corporate marketing. With her wide-ranging experience across several marketing disciplines, Kristin brings a unique perspective on building brands, through development, launch and ongoing management. As Vice President, Consumer Products &...show more

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David Levine

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

Disney Channels EMEA


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Layla Lewis

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

Nickelodeon


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Leeger Liu

Producer

Tencent Video

Leeger is an animation producer for Tencent Video Kids Channel and responsible for the independent production and co-production of animation projects. Leeger has participated in more than 15 new animation projects since 2017. Before that, Leeger was an animation director on animation TV series and animation movies in China.


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Arne Lohmann

Vice President ZDFE Junior

ZDF


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Niki Lopez

Creator & Executive Producer

Nickelodeon

Niki López is the creator and executive producer of Nick JR.’s Santiago of the Seas, an action-adventure bridge series that follows eight-year-old Santiago Montes, a brave and kind-hearted pirate, as he embarks on daring adventures in a fantastical Caribbean world. López was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She...show more

Featured in: Groundwork for Growth: Setting New Creators Up to Succeed


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Beau Lotto

Neuroscientist

Lab of Misfits

Dr. Beau Lotto is a neuroscientist and world-renowned expert in perception. His research explores the ways in which we experience the world through our own versions of reality. As Beau puts it, "the brain never sees the world as it actually is, only the world that is useful to see."...show more

Featured in: KEYNOTE—The Power of Awe and Perception: Using Science to Unlock Creativity and Innovation


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Brenda Maffuchi

Chief of Co-Productions, Licensing and Sales Officer

DeAKids


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Ted Malley

Chief Customer Officer

Ceridian

Mr. Malley has over 25 years of experience as a senior executive in the technology industry and over 20 of those years in the Human Capital Management software business.  As the Chief Customer Officer at Ceridian, Mr. Malley combines his personal passion for helping people and love for new technology to change...show more

Featured in: Putting the Success in Succession Planning


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Marie McCann

Senior Director, Children's Content

CBC Kids

Marie McCann is the senior director of children's content for CBC Kids. McCann oversees development, production, acquisition and in-house production of award winning content. As Canada's national public broadcaster, CBC is committed to excellence and innovation in children's and youth media and to reaching audiences across multiple platforms.

Featured in: Redefining Pubcasting in an OTT Universe; 30 Minutes with... Marie McCann, CBC Kids


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Menal McGrath

VP, Global Licensing

Moose Toys

Menal has 20 years of experience in the toy industry in a broad capacity including sales, product development, and licensing at top Toy and Entertainment companies.  She started her career at Mattel in sales of entertainment brands. At Disney she managed the core toys business across a variety of brands...show more

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Flavio Medeiros

Director Program Sourcing & Acquisitions

Discovery Kids LatAM

Flavio Medeiros is the director of programming and acquisitions for Discovery Kids Latin America. His areas of expertise include children’s television, acquisitions and sales within the pay TV industry.

Before joining Discovery in March 2013, Medeiros worked as vice president of sales for ITV Global Entertainment in Latin America and the...show more

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Flavio Medeiros, Discovery LatAm


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David Michel

Co-Founder & President

Cottonwood Media

David Michel is a Founding Partner of Federation Entertainment, as well as President of kids focused subsidiary Cottonwood Media. He also heads up Federation Entertainment’s children’s division Federation Kids & Family, which handles production, sales and merchandising.  Cottonwood Media creates, produces and invests in premium, international family content featuring both...show more

Featured in: From Milestones to the New Normal


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Cesar Millan

Dog Behaviorist

Cesar Millan is the world’s foremost dog expert with over 25 years of canine experience. Tens of millions of people around the globe grew up watching Cesar on TV as the star of “The Dog Whisperer,” “Dog Nation,” and “Cesar 911.” Fans have since introduced their children to Cesar and...show more

Featured in: KEYNOTE— Reframing Empathy: Lessons from Cesar Millan


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Isaac Mogajane

Producer, Writer, Director & Co-Founder

Diprente

Isaac is a co-founder of and director at Diprente, a South African production company based in Johannesburg. Since 2009, Diprente has produced numerous feature films including the box office hit, "Matwetwe (Wizard)" and the Netflix Original "Catching Feelings". On the television side, Diprente produced the two-time Emmy nominated political satire...show more

Featured in: Quite the Character


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Anna Moorefield

VP, Global Distribution

The Jim Henson Company

As Vice President of Global Distribution, Anna Moorefield oversees the sale of Henson content to television networks, digital platforms, home entertainment distributors, and theatrical exhibitors worldwide. Titles under her purview include current preschool hits Dinosaur Train, Dot., Doozers, Splash and Bubbles, and Word Party, as well as classic favorites like...show more

Featured in: Hacking the SVOD Algorithm; Digital 360 Strategies: Making the Money Work


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Grant Moran

President

Global Monster Media & Founder, KEPYR

2015 Emmy winner for his work as head writer on PBS kids' Wordgirl series, Grant's been a writer, story editor, producer and executive in kids and family entertainment for 25 years.

He started at warner bros. Animation, contributing to such award-winning series as Animaniacs, Tiny Toon...show more

Featured in: Moving Mountains: Creating Content for Displaced Kids


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Sarah Muller

Senior Head of Commissioning (7+)

BBC Children's


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Drew Mullin

Executive in Charge of Production, Kids

CBC Kids

Drew Mullin is an international award winning Writer, Director and Producer who joined CBC Kids team as an Executive in Charge of Production in 2015.  At CBC, Drew has overseen several broadcast and digital series including: season 1 & 2 of Dot, Kingdom Force, Big Blue, Snapshots (2018 International Emmy winner),...show more

Featured in: Speed Pitching 2; Coffee with...; Coffee with...; Coffee with...; Coffee with...


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Sadaf Muncy

SVP, Head of Development and Production

MGA Entertainment


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Carrie Murphy

Manager, Kids & Family Acquisitions

Disney Channels Worldwide

Carrie manages acquisitions for Disney Channel, Disney Junior, and Disney XD in US, sourcing live-action and animated series as well as movies.  She partners with her global Disney colleagues on multi-territory acquisitions.  Carrie also oversees collaboration across the global programming teams, sharing best practices and content strategy.

Prior to joining the...show more

Featured in: Cocktails with... Disney; Speed Pitching 4; Speed Pitching 3


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Lucy Murphy

Director of Kids Content, UK & ROI

Sky


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Chris Nee

Executive Producer & Creator

Laughing Wild/Netflix

Peabody, Humanitas, NAACP and Emmy Award-winner Chris Nee is the creator and executive producer of the acclaimed series, Doc McStuffins, an imaginative animated series about a six-year-old girl who is a doctor to her stuffed animals and toys. She also developed for television and executive produced the hit animated series...show more

Featured in: Showrunners: Not Just For Grown-Ups Anymore; Groundwork for Growth: Setting New Creators Up to Succeed


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Laura Nevanlinna

CEO

Ferly

Laura Nevanlinna is the Co-Founder and CEO of Ferly, an Entertainment and Brand building company based out of Helsinki, Stockholm, Vancouver and Los Angeles. Nevanlinna is a fangirl at heart and a long term children's content professional with her background covering licensing, publishing, and other forms of media. In the...show more

Featured in: Classic Play Patterns for a Modern Age


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Jill Nordquist

CMO

JAKKS Pacific

Jill Nordquist_Professional Bio

 

Jill Nordquist is an energetic and dynamic marketer known for launching and invigorating global brands. Currently, she serves as Senior Vice President of Marketing at JAKKS Pacific, leading the Girls & Preschool division.  Jill is well-versed in kids’ play patterns, understanding how kids play, and the importance of gauging...show more

Featured in: The Successful Pivot: A Gigantosaurus Case Study


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Paul Nunn

GM of Epic Games

SuperAwesome

Paul Nunn (@Nunnone) is Chief Strategy Officer at SuperAwesome, the leading global KidTech company.  At SuperAwesome, Paul works with some of the largest content creators in the space on the commercial, compliance and technology challenges they face.  Paul holds global responsibility for SuperAwesome’s Kidfluencer program, which looks to support Kids...show more

Featured in: Keeping Kid Influencers Safe


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Natalie Osborne

Chief Strategy Officer

9 Story Media Group

As Chief Strategy Officer of 9 Story Media Group, Natalie Osborne oversees strategic partnerships, worldwide sales, acquisitions, consumer products and marketing. Natalie has been a significant driver of the company’s dramatic growth over the last decade, helping transform 9 Story into one of the world’s leading independent producers and distributors of children’s...show more

Featured in: Digital 360 Strategies: Making the Money Work


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Jonathan Pan

Head of Content

Amazon

Jon focuses on acquiring and developing original content (video, apps/games, books, etc.) for Amazon Kids & Family. His focus in recent years has been on online gaming, livestreaming, and esports. Prior to joining the Kids team, Jon lead digital web products for Amazon Game Studios and was Head of Esports...show more

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Cecilia Persson

Managing Director, BBC Studios Kids & Family

Cartoon Network & Boomerang International

In this role, Persson manages and leads programming strategy across EMEA for kids linear and digital platforms including Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Cartoonito and Boing. She also oversees and negotiates shared acquisitions across international for Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Cartoonito, Boing, Toonix and the kids area of HBO Europe, working closely with...show more

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Cecilia Persson, Cartoon Network & Boomerang International


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Jamie Piekarz

Content Producer/Creative Consultant

JamPie Media

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 and...show more

Featured in: Brainpick—Getting Creative


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Katharina Charlotte Pietzsch

VP Sales Kids & Family

ZDF Enterprises GmbH

Featured in: Speed Pitching 2


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Hannah Pillemer

EVP, Creative Services

MarVista Entertainment

Hannah Pillemer spearheads the development and production of MarVista Entertainment’s content pipeline for all platformsPillemer joined MarVista Entertainment as a Creative Executive in 2013 and has risen quickly through the company’s ranks.  Under her leadership, the company has significantly increased its content development and production, and Pillemer is now responsible for managing a...show more

Featured in: Made for TV?


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Adina Pitt

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

Cartoon Network & Boomerang

Adina Pitt is Vice President, Content Acquisitions and Co-productions for Cartoon Network and Boomerang. She 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 across all platforms.  She continues to oversee those programs once they...show more

Featured in: What Keeps You Up at Night?; 30 Minutes with... Adina Pitt, Cartoon Network & Boomerang US


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Gary Pope

CEO

Kids Industries

Gary began his career as a school teacher and led an English Department before becoming a learning designer for a change management consultancy. A weird gig for Disney led Gary back to children and to launch Kids Industries.

Kids Industries solves problems, develops strategies, ideas and products as well as creating content for...show more

Featured in: The Franchise Debate: Are Kids Sick of the Same Old IPs?


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Julia posen

Media Consultant

Selladoor

Julia Posen is an Executive Producer and Specialist Adviser  for the media and entertainment industry. EP credits include the International Emmy award winning Hank Zipzer series for CBBC, and UK Channel 4’s highest rating programme of 2016, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Current clients include James Reatchlous and the Master Moley brand; a half hour animation special with...show more

Featured in: Let Us Blow Your Mind: Storytelling Reinvented


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Irene Pothecary-Huse

Acquisitions & Commissioning Executive

NRK, Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation/ NRK Super

Featured in: Speed Pitching 2


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Blair Powers

Executive Producer & Partner

Sinking Ship Entertainment

Blair Powers is a founding partner at Sinking Ship and an Emmy-winning executive producer. He oversees all financial, business and funding aspects of all Sinking Ship’s television, film and digital properties. Blair has financed over 200 million dollars over many series working with CBC, TVO, Corus, SRC and Yoopa in...show more

Featured in: SOLD OUT!— MASTER CLASS—Anatomy of an SVOD Deal


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Griffin Quasebarth

Senior Director

MarketCast

Griffin comes to MarketCast with an extensive background in child development, technology, and design. Prior to Insight, he conducted research on how cartoons impact children’s identity formation and worked as a Developmental Specialist in a Boston Early Intervention program, where he provided therapy for kids with developmental delays. Griffin combines...show more

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Mahesh Ramachandra

Chief Product Officer

Kids Know Best

Mahesh leads digital product strategy and development at KidsKnowBest, the UK’s fastest-growing kids media agency. Besides architecting KidsKnowBest’s new suite of research data tools, he advises clients on UX and commercial optimisation of their digital businesses. Mahesh has 20 years of experience developing and managing multi-platform digital products, across web...show more

Featured in: Hacking the SVOD Algorithm


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Liz Randall

Head of Development, Indies, BBC Studios Kids & Family

BBC Studios


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Maura Regan

President

Licensing International

Bringing more than 20 years of global licensing and media experience, Maura joined LICENSING INTERNATIONAL, in December 2016 and assumed the role of President in July 2018.  LICENSING INTERNATIONAL is the premier association for the global licensing industry, and Maura is responsible for leading the organization in defining and shaping its...show more

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Michael Rhattigan

Chief Adventure Officer

Adventure 2 Learning

Michael Rhattigan is CEO of educational company Adventure 2 Learning, which features the video-based educational platform with the same name. Prior to Adventure 2 Learning, Michael was the CEO of Adventure to Fitness since its launch in 2010. Adventure to Fitness grew by word-ofmouth, with over 25,000 U.S. schools using...show more

Featured in: Moving Mountains: Creating Content for Displaced Kids


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Michael Rinzler

Owner

Executive Vice President, Jazwares

Michael Rinzler is an Executive Vice President at Jazwares, who recently acquired the company he founded, Wicked Cool Toys. Jazwares manufacturers action figures, dolls, plush, play sets and more based on proprietary brands and top licenses from partners, including master toy partner for Fortnite, Roblox, Pokemon, Micro Machines, Peppa Pig,...show more

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Peter Robinson

Owner

KidsKnowBest

Peter is an experienced consultant, who has been working in kids media for over a decade. Peter has specialised in new technology, kids entertainment, ethical marketing to kids and education (and where possible screwing all those things together). 

Peter’s day to day role includes listening to and observing how young people...show more

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Tatiana Rodriguez

SVP & Brand Head, Kids & Families

Nickelodeon Latin America

Tatiana Rodríguez is Senior Vice President and Brand Head, Kids & Families, Nickelodeon Latin America. In this role, Rodriguez leads the content and programming strategies, partnerships, acquisitions, and media planning for the flagship network in the region, as well as for preschool network Nick Jr., across linear television, digital, branded...show more

Featured in: Cocktails with... Nickelodeon; Keeping Kid Influencers Safe


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Jennifer Rogers-Doyle

SVP Brand Development & Integrated Planning

Disney Channels World Wide

Rogers Doyle joined Disney Channels in 2004 and serves as the Senior Vice President, Brand Development and Integrated Planning.  She set the course for a structured approach to developing Disney Channel franchises and continues to identify compelling consumer product opportunities that help to generate billions of dollars in retail sales....show more

Featured in: The Franchise Debate: Are Kids Sick of the Same Old IPs?


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Michael Rose

Joint CEO

Magic Light Pictures

Co-founded by producers Michael Rose and Martin Pope in 2003, Magic Light Pictures makes imaginative entertainment for audiences, families and children worldwide.

The company creates high quality films and products and has built the wonderful Gruffalo brand based on the best-selling books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.   The company directly...show more

Featured in: Made for TV?


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Joanna Rosenthal

Manager, Content Acquisitions and Coproductions

Cartoon Network & Boomerang

Joanna Rosenthal, Manager of Content Acquisitions and Coproductions for Turner’s Cartoon Network and Boomerang in the US, is based in New York and has been with the company since 2015. Joanna evaluates submitted content in terms of each brand’s needs and relevance, working alongside the VP and other programming, content sourcing and...show more

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Orion Ross

VP Animation

Disney Channels EMEA

Orion Ross was appointed to the position of Vice President, Original Series, Disney Channels Europe, Middle East & Africa in May 2009. He is responsible for the creative development, from concept to production, of new animation and original series properties for Disney Channel and Disney XD. He reports to Marc...show more

Featured in: The Successful Pivot: A Gigantosaurus Case Study; Cocktails with... Disney; 30 Minutes with... Orion Ross, Disney Channels EMEA


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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.

With a focus on kindergarten readiness, Ms. Rotenberg leads a...show more

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Adam Rumanek

CEO

Aux Mode Inc

Entrepreneur. Author. Internet programmer. Since selling his first Internet company in the year 2000, Adam has created industry lauded programs and companies in web, content, big data and next generation technology. For over a decade, Adam has collaborated globally with corporations, governments, and NGOs, helping enable them to maximize the...show more

Featured in: Brainpick—Beyond the Screen


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Jon Rutherford

President Global Rights Franchise & Content Strategy

Boat Rocker Studios

Following Temple Street’s 2015 expansion under the re-branded name of ‘Boat Rocker Media’, Jon Rutherford joined the organization to build their global distribution operation and business development across all genres and platforms.  In addition to his role as President of Rights, which includes overseeing the company’s strategic growth across ancillary...show more

Featured in: SOLD OUT!— MASTER CLASS—Anatomy of an SVOD Deal


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Trine Ruud

Head of Acquisitions and Dubbing NRK Super

NRK


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Kate Sanagan

Head of Sales & Distribution

Sinking Ship Entertainment

Kate Sanagan is a Head of Sales and Distribution at Sinking Ship Entertainment, a multiple Emmy® Award winning production, distribution and interactive company specializing in kids’ and family content. Since its launch in 2004, Sinking Ship has rapidly earned a reputation for high quality, ground-breaking original series and companion interactive...show more

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Angela Santomero

Founder & Chief Creative Officer

9 Story Media Group

Angela Santomero has been changing the way children watch television for over fifteen years. She is a Founding Partner and Chief Creative Officer of Out of the Blue Enterprises LLC, overseeing the creative development and research of all the company's projects, with a mission and vision to bring educational entertainment to...show more

Featured in: Groundwork for Growth: Setting New Creators Up to Succeed


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Lienne Sawatsky

Writer, Producer

Wishfart Productions Inc.

Lienne Sawatsky is a creator, showrunner, story consultant and award-winning screenwriter. Born and raised in Montreal, now based in Toronto, she writes and consults on TV and films at home, in the US, and abroad. She is the co-creator and executive producer of the offbeat hit, Wishfart, an oddball comedy...show more

Featured in: Showrunners: Not Just For Grown-Ups Anymore


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Josh Scherba

President and Chief Executive Officer

WildBrain

Josh Scherba, President, oversees the talented teams at WildBrain who are responsible for creating winning kids’ and family content and placing it on screens globally. Mr. Scherba has been with the company since its founding in 2006, coming over with DECODE Entertainment when it merged with Halifax Film to form...show more

Featured in: Digital 360 Strategies: Making the Money Work


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Matt Schiller

Writer & Producer

Schiller Instinct Productions

Matt Schiller has spent more than a decade working as a Writer/Producer in the Teen and Tween space in Canada. He has worked on hits including Life with Derek, The Latest Buzz, Ride, CSA nominated Backstage and the iconic Canadian series Degrassi which was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Children’s Program....show more

Featured in: Brainpick—Getting Creative


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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 Acquisition Executive for YLE Television. When measured by ratings and audience satisfaction YLE is the number one multi-platform destination for Finnish Kids. It transmits annually over 1300 hours of children’s programming for a two- to 12-year-old audience...show more

Featured in: Speed Pitching 3


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Josh Selig

Founder & President

Little Airplane Productions (A Studio 100 Company)

Josh Selig is the Founder and CEO of Little Airplane Productions. He is the Creator and Executive Producer of The Wonder Pets! (Nick Jr.), 3rd & Bird! (CBeebies), Small Potatoes (CBeebies/Disney Junior) and P. King Duckling (CCTV/Disney Junior.)  Josh is also the writer/director of the film Meet The Small Potatoes...show more

Featured in: Pitch Doctoring 1; Pitch Doctoring 2


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Natalie Setton

Vice President, Commercial

Herschend Enterprises

Natalie joined Herschend Entertainment Studios (HES) in June 2019 following their acquisition of Ludorum in December 2018. Natalie was part of the Ludorum team for 11+ years, tasked initially to manage International Sales and Licensing for its wholly-owned pre-school property, Chuggington. She was appointed Commercial Director in January 2015 before...show more

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Jay Shah

Head of Global Content Partnerships & Distribution

LEGO

Jay Shah leads Global Content Distribution at LEGO, overseeing content partnerships, co-productions, and business development efforts for the iconic toy company’s entertainment division. Shah is responsible for sales, marketing, developing multiplatform content strategies, and seeking out new & innovative ways to convey content and stories to consumers globally through new...show more

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Sandra Sheppard

Executive Producer, Director of Kid's Media & Education

WNET – New York Public Media

Sandra is an Emmy award-winning producer and media executive with over 20 years of public television experience. She oversees content development and production of children’s broadcast and digital initiatives at WNET, New York Public Media. Sandra serves as the executive producer of Cyberchase, the Emmy Award-winning animated “math adventure” that...show more

Featured in: Greener Pastures



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Pierre Sissmann

Board Member

Cyber Group Studios


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Ralph Sosa

Storyboard Artist

The Simpsons


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Géraldine Soto

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

Canal+


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Halle Stanford

President of Television, Executive Producer

The Jim Henson Company

Brand Builder, Creator, Executive Producer, and a ten-time Emmy®-nominated television producer, Halle Stanford leads the Jim Henson Company’s development and production of all television, home entertainment, and digital media in animated and live-action formats. 

Stanford recently executive produced the critically acclaimed Netflix series The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. Her recent...show more

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James Stephenson

EVP, Entertainment

Wonderstorm

James Stephenson is EVP of Entertainment for Wonderstorm, overseeing series and IP development for the animation & games studio (producers of The Dragon Prince). Previously James was at Nickelodeon for 10 years, working as a creative executive in both digital content and TV development and production. He served most recently...show more

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Debbie Sterling

CEO & Founder

GoldieBlox

Debbie Sterling is the Founder and CEO of GoldieBlox, the award-winning children’s multimedia company known for disrupting the pink aisle in toy stores globally and challenging gender stereotypes with the world’s first girl engineer character.

Debbie is an engineer, entrepreneur, spokesperson and one of the leaders in the movement toward getting...show more

Featured in: Keeping Kid Influencers Safe


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Melanie Summers

Chief Brand Officer

Driver Studios

Melanie Summers is the Chief Brand Officer of Driver Studios, an award-winning production studio specializing in Kids & Family Entertainment.  Responsible for all marketing, licensing and business development for Driver's existing and new IP, she leads the Driver team in evaluating new content opportunities as well as seeking best in...show more

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Anders Tangen

CEO & Producer

Viafilm

For over 20 years Anders Tangen has passionately produced award-winning drama series, feature films, documentaries and short stories. Anders’ signature TV series, Lilyhammer and Norsemen are hailed by audiences worldwide, and his multi-awarded dramedy series, DAG, received acclaim from both critics and viewers across Europe. Additionally, many of Anders’ productions have been invited to A-list festivals.

Through...show more

Featured in: Hacking the SVOD Algorithm


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Heather Tilert

Director, Preschool Content

Netflix

Heather Tilert joined the Netflix Original Animation content team one year ago and is focused on the budding Preschool programming slate, which builds on the success of Netflix Originals like Ask The StoryBots and Super Monsters and includes upcoming titles like Go! Go! Cory Carson, Hello Ninja, and StarBeam. A...show more

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Heather Tilert, Netflix Preschool


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Jennifer McCarron

CEO

Atomic Cartoons

Jennifer Twiner-McCarron joined Atomic Cartoons as the Head of Production in 2011 and supervised all in-house production.  Under Jenn’s leadership, the team grew from 30 people to over 200 + today. Jennifer lead production on multiple productions including BeatBugs - Netflix upcoming original series for kids featuring the music of...show more

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Caroline Tyre

VP, Global Sales & Rights Strategy

Genius Brands International

Caroline Tyre is a 20-year industry veteran with expertise across global content sales, acquisitions and programming as well as licensing and consumer products. She has held pivotal management positions at major media companies, including TELETOON, where she spent five years as director of programming, Entertainment One, DHX Media, Spin Master,...show more

Featured in: Beyond YouTube


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Marc van den Bosch-Mprah

Sr. Manager Acquisitions & Co-Productions

Super RTL

Marc van den Bosch-Mprah joined Super RTL in 2019 as Senior Manager – Content Acquisitions & Co-Production. In this function, he is responsible for the acquisition and  co-production of kids content for the network.

Super RTL is Europe’s leader in children’s television and is jointly owned by RTL Group and Walt...show more

Featured in: Cocktails with... Super RTL; Speed Pitching 3; 30 Minutes with... Marc van den Bosch-Mprah, Kerstin Viehbach & Marion Winter, Super RTL


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Juliëtte van Paridon

Head of Kids Content

VPRO

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Jennifer Vaux

VP, Content Acquisition & Programming

The Roku Channel

Jennifer Vaux is Director, Programming Acquisition for The Roku Channel, the newly-launched, ad-supported channel operated by Roku. She is responsible for sourcing and executing innovative programming acquisition deals across a range of content and business models.  

Prior to Roku, Jennifer served as vice president of network business strategy & content acquisitions for Turner's...show more

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Jennifer Vaux, Roku



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Nathan Waddington

Director of Children's

King Bert Productions


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Valerie Walsh Valdes

Creator & Executive Producer

Walsh Valdes Productions

Valerie Walsh Valdes is the co-creator and executive producer of the global phenomenon Dora the Explorer, as well as Go Diego Go, Dora and Friends, and Santiago of the Seas, premiering this Fall on Nickelodeon. As a showrunner, she has produced more than 300 half hours of animated television seen in over 150 countries...show more

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Allison Watkins

Director, Consumer Products & TV Distribution, Warrior Cats

Coolabi

Allison joined Coolabi from Beano Studios. Prior to this she held a series of senior roles at DreamWorks Animation, The Walt Disney Company and Paramount. She has a proven track record in driving business growth and in-depth experience of managing high profile brands and franchises internationally, having worked in Europe,...show more

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Elizabeth Waybright&nbspTaylor

VP, Development

Disney Television Animation

Elizabeth Waybright Taylor is Director, development for Disney Television Animation, a position she has held since 2016. Elizabeth focuses on shepherding Disney heritage and original series through the creative development process. Taking ideas from pitch to pilot delivery, Elizabeth works side by side with show creators to build worlds, develop...show more

Featured in: Speed Pitching 1; Cocktails with... Disney; 30 Minutes with... Elizabeth Waybright Taylor, Disney TV Animation


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Alice Webb

Director

BBC Children's

Director of BBC Children’s since February 2015, Alice took over the BBC’s Education portfolio in May 2019.

Alice is responsible for the UK's two most popular networks for our youngest audiences, CBeebies and CBBC, along with their associated websites, YouTube channels, apps and radio stations. In 2016, she launched the BBC's...show more

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Teri Weiss

EVP, TV Development

DreamWorks Animation

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Ed Wells

Chief Executive Officer

Sesame Workshop


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Mellany Welsh

VP, Nelvana Enterprises & Kids Can Press

Nelvana, a division of Corus Entertainment

As Head of Nelvana Enterprises, Mellany oversees brand strategy, content distribution, digital, licensing and retail development for Nelvana’s extensive brand portfolio in order to drive sales and global awareness. In her previous role as VP of Global Consumer Products and International Distribution, Mellany was the driving force behind securing new...show more

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Pamela Westman

President

Nelvana

As President of Nelvana, Pam oversees both the animation studio and business arms of Nelvana. Prior to this position, Pam was Head of Nelvana Enterprises where she was instrumental in establishing and expanding Nelvana’s brand development and monetization of the Nelvana portfolio, including licensing, marketing, content sales, and digital on...show more

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Alexandra Whyte

n/a

Kidscreen


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Colin Williams

Creative Director

Sixteen South Studios

Sixteen South is focussed on the creation and production of the highest quality television with heart for kids in every country across the world.  Our shows are among the highest rating on all the major television networks and SVODs - you can see our work on Disney, PBS, Hulu, Nickelodeon...show more

Featured in: The Franchise Debate: Are Kids Sick of the Same Old IPs?


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David Williams

SVP & GM, Channels

pocket.watch

As GM/SVP of Channels, David is charged with winning fans and growing pocket.watch franchises on short-form platforms. With twenty-five years at the frontiers of digital media, he comes to the role lavishly prepared. As part of Maker Studios’ senior leadership, David led the esteemed talent team and engineered marquee content...show more

Featured in: Keeping Kid Influencers Safe


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Katie Wilson

VP, Channels & Global Acquisitions

Corus Entertainment

Katie Wilson is the Director of Programming at Corus Entertainment, responsible for commissioning original content and programming strategy across its flagship kids networks, YTV, Treehouse & TELETOON.  In addition, she also oversees the management & scheduling across partnership channels, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim & Disney Channel in Canada.

Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Katie Wilson, Corus Kids


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Kay Wilson Stallings

EVP, Chief Creative Development and Production Officer

Sesame Workshop

Kay Wilson Stallings serves Senior Vice President of Creative Development at Sesame Workshop.

In this role, Wilson Stallings oversees development and production for original content for multiple platforms.  During her time, she has shepherded specials and series such as the multi-Emmy nominatedEsme and Roy, the first new series produced by the...show more

Featured in: Coffee with...; Coffee with...; Coffee with...; Coffee with...; Cocktails with... Sesame Workshop; Groundwork for Growth: Setting New Creators Up to Succeed



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Adam Woodgate

SVP, Media Insights

Dubit

Adam has 30 years media, marketing and insight, 15 years of which was spent in senior operational roles.

Initially spending time in working with production teams and audience research for London Weekend Television. Then moved into creating content and senior programming roles for broadcasters. In 2001 he moved into audience insight...show more

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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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Harry Yoon

Vice President

Studio Moggozi

With 20 plus years in marketing and sales in animation industry, Harry has co-produced many series with overseas including Ladybug when he was in SAMG Animation. He also had moderated several international conference and pitching session. His experience in animation studio and iptv platform, SK Broadband, gives balanced and unique...show more

Featured in: Pitch Doctoring 1; Pitch Doctoring 2

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