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Tiffany is a developmental expert, creative strategist, and media buff. As a senior member of MarketCast, she leverages her background in developmental psychology to help brands listen to the voice of consumers, from toddlers to boomers. Tiffany combines this expertise with her other lifelong passions – education and media &...show more
Speaking on: Mental health check: Are the kids really alright?
Lindsay ‘Lindz’ Amer creates LGBTQ+ and social justice media for kids and families.
Their claim to fame is their original webseries Queer Kid Stuff, an original LGBTQ+ educational webseries for ages 3 and up, that they wrote, produced, and co-hosted for four seasons and over fifty episodes. They also produce and...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom - Tackling Inclusion
Bharat N. Anand is the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning at Harvard University and the Henry R. Byers Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School.
Professor Anand is an expert in digital strategy, digital marketing, and corporate strategy. His work has examined competition in content industries, focusing on two...show more
Speaking on: KEYNOTE—Avoiding the digital content trap with Bharat Anand
Tom Ascheim serves as President of Warner Bros. Global Kids, Young Adults and Classics. In this role, he is responsible for leading the global strategy for Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies (TCM) and Boomerang, as well as the company’s two powerhouse animation studios Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon...show more
Speaking on: Master planning with WarnerMedia’s Tom Ascheim
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
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - PBS KIDS, M6, TF1; Speed Pitching - PBS KIDS, Disney Channels, WildBrain/Family Channel
Evan Baily is a TV/film producer and showrunner focused on breakthrough creator-driven and IP-based projects. His credits include Sonic Boom, Frank & Zed, Turok: Son of Stone, and Lazytown. He also consults for entertainment, media, consumer products and tech companies on brand identity, content strategy, and other issues. Clients include...show more
Speaking on: Creative Corner: Baking Brownies
Zia Bales is Senior Acquisitions Manager, Kids, EMEA for WarnerMedia International, working across Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Boing, Cartoonito, Toonami, Toonix and the kids’ section of HBO.
In this role, Zia oversees and negotiates shared acquisitions for the EMEA kids’ business, working closely with the local heads of programming and acquisitions of...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - WarnerMedia EMEA, SVT, Hopster; Speed Pitching - WarnerMedia EMEA, TF1, Nickelodeon; In Conversation with... Zia Bales, WarnerMedia EMEA
Justine is a trilingual media professional with over 20 years’ experience accrued with majors and independents alike - and most notably with 20th Century Fox, Disney Channels France, The Lagardere Group, Media Participations and PGS Entertainment. Her skillset spans international distribution, marketing, press, communication, brand management, project sourcing, project evaluations,...show more
Speaking on: Brainpick—Money Talks
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
Speaking on: In Conversation with... Diane Ikemiyashiro & Kim Berglund, Disney Junior
Matthew Berkowitz is a seasoned animation executive, with over a decade in the industry. Matt currently serves as Head of Development at Atomic Cartoons, a Thunderbird Company, where he is developing and growing the studio's ever expanding IP & Co-Production slate.
Previously, Matt spent 7 years at Arc Productions, where he...show more
Speaking on: Sales story: Global exclusive or regional deals?
Aaron oversees development and production on current series for Amazon Kids+, the premiere destination for movies, series, mobile games and books aimed at kids ages 3-12. Previously, he developed and oversaw Emmy-winning and nominated series at Snapchat and AOL, and created IMDb’s first ever slate of original series and podcasts....show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Amazon Kids, DeAKids, CBC Kids; Speed Pitching - Amazon Kids, CBC Kids, YouTube
Stephanie Betts is responsible for managing, fostering and expanding the kids development slate. Stephanie’s expertise and focus is on building strong creatively-driven teams and series, which will appeal to domestic and international broadcasters, and mostly importantly kids! Prior to joining DHX Media, Stephanie worked at Breakthrough Films and Television for...show more
Speaking on: Pitch Doctoring - Stephanie Betts, Sidney Clifton, Heath Kenny
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...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom - Producer Life; COVID-proofing your live-action shoot
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
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Kidoodle.TV, Disney, SuperRTL; How to bring your A-game to AVOD; Speed Pitching - Kidoodle.TV, Apple TV+, WildBrain/Family Channel
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...show more
Speaking on: Brainpick—Getting Creative
Jules Borkent is Executive Vice President, Kids & Family for ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI). In his role as brand lead for Nickelodeon International, Borkent is in charge of all aspects of content and business operations, overseeing brand and content management and strategy, acquisitions, production development, creative, and multiplatform for Nickelodeon...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation with... Jules Borkent & Layla Lewis, Nickelodeon
Maud Branly
Children Acquisitions Director & International TV Channels Children Programming Director
M6
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
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - M6, BNNVARA, Disney EMEA; Speed Pitching - PBS KIDS, M6, TF1
Hedda Bruessing has been working in the film and television industry since 1996. She worked as an executive producer and producer on a wide range of television programs for producers and public broadcasters including multi-camera live programs, documentaries, current affairs, and human interest programs.
Hedda joined pubcaster NTR in 2007 as an...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - M6, BNNVARA, Disney EMEA; Speed Pitching - BNNVARA, NRK Super, Super RTL
Massimo Bruno is the Director of TV Channels at De Agostini Editore in Italy, where he runs DeAKids and DeAJunior. Massimo also serves as the CEO of KidsMe, the new Children Content Factory of De Agostini Group, a full-service prodco to develop, produce and distribute children and family content, locally and...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Amazon Kids, DeAKids, CBC Kids; Speed Pitching - RTÉ, Nickelodeon, DeAKids
Eryk Casemiro is Senior Vice President of Nickelodeon Preschool, in charge of the network’s preschool production and development across all formats and platforms spanning digital, TV and film. Based in Nickelodeon’s Burbank, Calif., headquarters, Casemiro manages the day-to-day operations of Nick’s preschool group, with creative and business oversight of the preschool...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation with... Eryk Casemiro, Nickelodeon Preschool
Lana Castleman is the Director of Communications for the Writers Guild of Canada, which represents more than 2,400 professional English-language screenwriters in Canada, creators of screen entertainment watched around the world. She oversees all internal and external communications priorities for the Guild, including advocating on behalf of its members with...show more
Speaking on: Master planning with eOne’s Olivier Dumont
Nate Cavanaugh is the co-founder and CEO of Brainbase, a platform that helps brands protect and monetize their intellectual property. Launched in 2017, Brainbase works with globally-recognized brands that generate billions of dollars in sales from their intellectual property. Brainbase is based in Los Angeles and has raised more than $12M...show more
Speaking on: The new licensing deal
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
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - DreamWorks Animation TV, Nelvana, Apple TV+; Speed Pitching - DreamWorks Animation TV, Disney Channels, Hopster
Emmy-nominated producer Sidney Clifton has over twenty years of experience as an executive producer, producer, casting director, voice director, director and creative development executive in animated and live-action content across multiple platforms.
In her career to date, Ms. Clifton has worked with artists and creators including comic book legend Stan Lee,
...show moreSpeaking on: Pitch Doctoring - Stephanie Betts, Sidney Clifton, Heath Kenny
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
Speaking on: Chatroom - Tackling Inclusion
Vince Commisso is the Co-founding Partner, President & CEO of 9 Story Entertainment, one of the industry’s leading creators, producers and distributors of award-winning content for young audiences around the world. Leading the production, creative, technical, sales and marketing aspects of the company's activities, Vince has contributed to 9 Story’s...show more
Speaking on: Cooking with... Vince Commisso (9 Story Media Group)
Dr. Natascha Crandall is a psychologist and educator with a special interest in enhancing children’s growth and development through the power of media. She is the founder of Crandall Consulting, LLC.
Natascha received her Doctorate in School Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University. She also holds a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation...show more
Speaking on: Brainpick—Getting Creative
Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, president emerita of Spelman College, is a clinical psychologist widely known for both her expertise on race relations and as a thought leader in higher education. Her thirteen years as the president of Spelman College (2002-2015) were marked by innovation and growth and her visionary leadership...show more
Speaking on: Confronting your biases
Most recently VP Kids Content Partnerships & Revenue at Discovery Kids.
Over 22 years experience in International Acquisitions and Distribution, Co-Productions and Content Development.
10+ years Worldwide Distribution, Acquisitions, Development and Co-Production for Linear, Digital, and L&M for Kids IP.
Member of Kids Insights Advisory Board (kidsinsights.com). Providing direction and guidance on the...show more
Speaking on: Pitch Doctoring - Danielle Davies, Josh Fisher, Christopher Keenan
Keith Dawkins is a strategic, creative, award winning Chief Executive Officer with 25+ years of experience in the media/entertainment, professional sports and philanthropic industries. Experienced in overall business operations, setting company strategy, leadership and management of people, deal negotiations, and driving revenue growth, Keith is a results-oriented executive. He has...show more
Speaking on: Confronting your biases
Daphné de Beauffort currently serves as EVP in charge of the acquisition of children programs for TF1 Group. In this position, she negotiates and follows the pre-buy, co-production and acquisition of programs for the channels (ie TF1, TFX), she selects and acquires the entire content of the SVOD platform (TFOUMAX)...show more
Speaking on: Coffee with... Nickelodeon, TF1, M6; Coffee with... RAI, TF1, NRK
Carla de Jong is an Emmy Award winning producer who has held various roles both as a producer and broadcaster in a number of different countries across the world. At Network Ten Australia she was responsible for producing 140 episodes a year of one of the longest running Australian children’s...show more
Speaking on: Brainpick—Money Talks
Genevieve has worked in the kids IP sector for 30 years and is CEO of both Serious Lunch, an international children's and family content distribution company, and Eye Present, a London- based animation studio, a co-venture with Squint/Opera, a large audiovisual services company. Genevieve is also known as the founder...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom - Producer Life
Kim Diaz has spent the past 14 years in preschool television as a development exec, writer, and producer. In her current role, Kim oversees Sesame’s Creative Development pipeline, which includes original series, Sesame Street spinoffs, and animated specials for partners such as HBO Max.
She also runs shorts production and development...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Sesame Workshop, Gloob/Gloobinho, Amazon Kids; Speed Pitching - Sesame Workshop, eOne
Ellen Doherty is Chief Creative Officer for Fred Rogers Productions, overseeing creation of television and digital content for the company’s existing PBS KIDS series—Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, and Odd Squad —as well as developing new properties. She is the creator, head writer, and executive producer of the award-winning shortform, preschool series Through the...show more
Speaking on: COVID-proofing your live-action shoot
As Head of Children’s Libbie is responsible for the Content Strategy and has oversight of 380 hours of internally produced and commissioned content across the ABC’s two dedicated children’s channels, ABCME (6-12yrs) and ABC KIDS (2-6yrs). As a member of the ABC's TV & Radio leadership team, she contributes to...show more
Speaking on: Cocktails with... ABC Australia; Speed Pitching - ABC Australia, PBS KIDS, YouTube; In Conversation with... Libbie Doherty, ABC Australia
Debra Dorfman began her publishing career at Scholastic in the Book Club division, where she worked for twelve years. In 2001, she left for Penguin Young Readers Group, where she was the President & Publisher for two imprints, Grosset & Dunlap and Price Stern Sloan. She is proud of the...show more
Speaking on: Brainpick—Leaning into Licensing
Jadiel's career as a teen actor sparked a passion to creative innovative content that entertains, educates, and empowers viewers. He’s the youngest Writer’s Guild of Canada member, fluent in Spanish, and at only 21 has two live action shows in development: a mystery/sci-fi series for teens with Sinking Ship Entertainment...show more
Speaking on: User-generated content on a whole new level
Warren Drones is an Emmy award-winning artist that has been crafting virtual worlds for nearly a decade. He currently works at Epic Games as a senior product specialist focusing on Unreal Engine features for broadcast. Prior to joining Epic Games, Warren worked at The Weather Channel helping to launch their...show more
Speaking on: MASTER CLASS—Real-time animation guide
As President of eOne’s Family Brands division, Olivier oversees all content creation and distribution activities for the division across all brands from the combined portfolio of kids targeted properties which includes Peppa Pig, PJ Masks, Ricky Zoom, My Little Pony, Power Rangers and Transformers amongst others. His responsibilities include developing...show more
Speaking on: Master planning with eOne’s Olivier Dumont
Chad Eikhoff is a director, writer, producer and entrepreneur who crafts imaginative stories and worlds using real time 3D animation as well as immersive media. Committed to telling stories for the entire family, he is widely known for writing, directing and producing the hit-turned-holiday tradition, The Elf on the Shelf:...show more
Speaking on: MASTER CLASS—Real-time animation guide
Misty Eyez joined SunServe in 2015 as an educator and trainer to help create and launch the LGBTQ Proficiency Training and Consulting Program. Soon afterward, 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,...show more
Speaking on: Confronting your biases
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
Speaking on: Chatroom - Producer Life
Qing Fan is the Producer overseeing the international business including content investment, co-production and distribution at Tencent Video Kids Channel.
Before joining Tencent, Qing was 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
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Tencent, eOne, NRK Super
Morgann Favennec joined Academy Award®-nominated French animation studio Xilam Animation in 2017 and is responsible for the company’s business development across sales, licensing and merchandising, digital, and marketing departments.
Favennec began her career at Latin American specialist Salsa Distribution and following the company’s acquisition by TV-Loonland, she handled sales for titles...show more
Speaking on: Sales story: Global exclusive or regional deals?
As Head of Content Strategy and Programming of Globo Group's Kids Unit, Luiz Filipe Figueira is currently responsible for the channels Gloob & Gloobinho's overall content strategy - from sourcing to acquisitions and developing international partnerships for a consistent programming and distribution strategy.
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Gloob/Gloobinho, CBC Kids, Disney; Cocktails with... Gloob/Gloobinho; In Conversation with... Luiz Filipe Figueira, Gloob/Gloobinho; Speed Pitching - Sesame Workshop, Gloob/Gloobinho, Amazon Kids
Josh Fisher is an Emmy award-winning executive and content creator with years of experience developing and producing successful and engaging content for young audiences. He has been part of big global franchises and also worked closely with talented artists and creators to help guide them as they build their shows. ...show more
Speaking on: Pitch Doctoring - Danielle Davies, Josh Fisher, Christopher Keenan
As Kidscreen’s Copy Chief & Special Reports Editor, Elizabeth Foster is responsible for the creation and production of special reports and for the production flow of the print magazine. Career highlights include meeting Chris Kratt and breaking news on consumer products trends. Prior to joining Kidscreen, Elizabeth served as a...show more
Speaking on: The new licensing deal
Amy Friedman
Head of Kids and Family Programming
Warner Bros. (Cartoon Network & HBO Max Kids and Family)
I discovered my passion for kids and family entertainment while still almost a kid myself. Inspired by working at Disney and Kids America (a national kids’ radio show) during college, I focused my undergraduate thesis on how to build meaningful and impactful content for kids. Since then, my entire career...show more
Speaking on: Creative Corner: Mindful Art; Brainpick—Leaning into Licensing
A veteran distribution professional with over 20 years of experience, Ed is the Managing Director and CCO at CAKE. In this dual role, he oversees all sales operations, the day-to-day running of the company, as well as directly selling CAKE's growing content portfolio in major territories including North America, the...show more
Speaking on: Brainpick—Money Talks
Rafael Garcia is vice president, Original Series Development, Disney Channel. Promoted into this role in March 2020, Garcia is responsible for sourcing and developing live-action series for both Disney Channel and Disney+.
Garcia joined Disney in 2012 and was most recently executive director, Original Series, where he oversaw creative development and...show more
Dominic is the CEO of global kids and family content distributor 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, Master Moley, The Mighty Bheem,...show more
Speaking on: MASTER CLASS—Breaking down the SVOD deal
Mr. Leo Geng is a Master’s candidate at the School of Journalism & Communication at Tsinghua University. He is the Senior Vice President of iQIYI.
From 1998 to 2009, Mr. Leo Geng was working in SOHU. In 2007, Mr. Leo Geng worked as the General Manager of Focus Network. In March...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - iQIYI, RTÉ, WarnerMedia APAC; Speed Pitching - iQIYI, Nickelodeon, Canal+
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
Speaking on: MASTER CLASS—Perfecting your virtual pitch
As Director of Children’s Programming, Tommy 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 livestream. He is also the production executive on several PBS KIDS series, including the Emmy-winning ARTHUR, now...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - PBS KIDS, Nickelodeon, Amazon Kids; Speed Pitching - ABC Australia, PBS KIDS, YouTube; Cocktails with... PBS KIDS
Jon Gisby, EVP and Managing Director, WildBrain Spark, has spent twenty years leading, building and advising major companies that create and distribute premium digital content. He was one of the many architects of the BBC’s strategy for online and on-demand services. As Managing Director of Freeserve, he built and monetized...show more
Speaking on: Brainpick—All Things Digital
Nicole Goldman is the Executive Vice President of Branding at The Jim Henson Company. Goldman oversees the global marketing, promotions, public relations, and social media for all sectors of the Company's business, including corporate, television, consumer products, home entertainment, international, live theater and digital.
In her current role, Goldman has been...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom - After COVID
Richard is the President of Global Distribution and Consumer Products for Thunderbird Entertainment. He oversees distribution to worldwide media platforms and related consumer products and experiences for the company's productions, including award-winning and inspiring scripted and factual content from Great Pacific Media and animated series from Atomic Cartoons. Previously, he...show more
Speaking on: Cooking with... Richard Goldsmith (Thunderbird Entertainment)
Sharon created Snow Rose Media that advises on all aspects of development and production. She has won multiple Emmy Awards, working for channels such as MTV, Nickelodeon, Disney, PBS, Sprout, and BBC. She has produced internationally in genres from animation, documentaries to entertainment news. She was recently the COO for...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom - Producer Life
In July 1960, at the age of 26, Jane Goodall travelled from England to Gombe, Tanzania and ventured into the little-known world of wild chimpanzees. Equipped with little more than a notebook, binoculars and her fascination with wildlife, she braved a realm of unknowns to give the world a remarkable...show more
Speaking on: KEYNOTE—Dr. Jane Goodall on finding hope in dark days
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
Speaking on: Chatroom - After COVID
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...show more
Speaking on: Brainpick—Leaning into Licensing
Josie Grierson is Director of Creative Affairs for Family Brands at Entertainment One, developing original content for the eOne Family slate, from initial concepts and ideas through to series production.
eOne are looking for creative and original animation concepts in early stages of development, different to any other show on the...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Tencent, eOne, NRK Super; Speed Pitching - Sesame Workshop, eOne
Antony Gusscott is the Creative Director at Sprinkles on Top, a creative consultancy firm that has worked with over 40 animation series worldwide. He has extensive experience in tracking and identifying original IP, researching trends, and recommending strategies, then crafting teams to produce results that add value. He works with...show more
Speaking on: Brainpick—Getting Creative; Creative Corner: Bag Design
Daniel Haack is a creative executive of kids and family programming for YouTube Originals, where he has developed and/or been creative lead for YouTube for projects including the award-winning Lockdown, Kid Correspondent, Pinkfong Wonderstar, Onyx Family Dinner and many more yet to be announced. Prior to joining YouTube, Daniel led...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Amazon Kids, CBC Kids, YouTube
As Senior Vice President, International Production & Development, Nina Hahn oversees international content development and co-production partnerships for Nickelodeon outside of the US.
Based in London, Hahn coordinates and drives the development process, spearheading new production models, managing productions from pilot through to series, and working in direct partnership with Nickelodeon’s...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation with... Nina Hahn, Nickelodeon
Or Handelsman is Senior Manager of International Acquisitions for Nickelodeon at ViacomCBS Networks International, 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 in...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - PBS KIDS, Nickelodeon, Amazon Kids; Speed Pitching - Nickelodeon, Disney Channels, Discovery Kids
Anttu Harlin is the co-founder and CEO of Gigglebug Entertainment, an animation IP studio that creates and produces positive kids' content for the global market. The Helsinki based company's mission is to have a meanigful impact on the world through fun filled entertainment on multiple platfomrs.
spIn recent news, Gigglebug Entertainment is...show more
Speaking on: The science of sparking joy
Stephanie Horsburgh is Head of Public Diplomacy at the British Consulate General in New York. She is also Head of the British Consulate’s STEM the Gap initiative, which runs programming to improve economic equality on both sides of the Atlantic. Stephanie has spearheaded “Closing the STEM Gender Gap”, the new...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom - Tackling Inclusion
Craig Hunter was recently appointed as the Global Head of Preschool for kids and family, YouTube Originals. His purview includes original programming properties sourced for families on YouTube including scripted series, scripted and unscripted features, unscripted series, docu-series, scripted reality, and live programming.
Craig is a highly seasoned international content specialist...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - ABC Australia, PBS KIDS, YouTube
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
Speaking on: Kidscreen Awards
Diane Ikemiyashiro is vice president, Current Series, Disney Junior, a role she was promoted to in March 2020. She is responsible for guiding the creative supervision and production of multiple series geared toward preschoolers and their parents/caregivers,including Mira, Royal Detective, a mystery-adventure series inspired by the cultures and customs of...show more
Speaking on: Coffee with... Disney Junior, LEGO, Nickelodeon; Coffee with... DeAKids, Disney Junior, Nickelodeon; In Conversation with... Diane Ikemiyashiro & Kim Berglund, Disney Junior
Margie Jacobs has practiced and taught mindfulness meditation for over 20 years. She is a facilitator of the Jewish Studio Process, in which she brings together inquiry through text study and conversation, mindfulness meditation, a facilitated art experience, and reflective writing. She has served as a congregational rabbi and regional...show more
Speaking on: Creative Corner: Mindful Art
Ian Jones-Quartey is an Emmy- and Annie-nominated showrunner, director, animator and voice actor. He is the creator of the Cartoon Network animated series OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes, and Co-Executive Producer of Steven Universe and Steven Universe: The Movie. He was also a supervisor on Cartoon Network's Adventure Time and...show more
Speaking on: Brainpick—Getting Creative
Over the last 13 years, Karin Jue has managed multi-platform video streaming experiences for kids ages 2-8, delivering award-winning content from series such as Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Wild Kratts, Odd Squad, Pinkalicious & Peteriffic, Elinor Wonders Why, Sesame Street, Xavier Riddle & the Secret Museum, Dinosaur Train and more.
Karin leads...show more
Speaking on: Cooking with... Karin Jue (PBS KIDS)
Rachel Kalban, a child development expert with a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology from Columbia University’s Teachers College, spearheads 9 Story’s groundbreaking formative research process. She is involved in all projects, to develop curriculum-driven brands that enrich the lives of children and families. Kalban has played a key role in...show more
Speaking on: User-generated content on a whole new level
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
Speaking on: Pitch Doctoring - Danielle Davies, Josh Fisher, Christopher Keenan; Game Night—Trivia!
Suzanne Kelly has been producing television for over 20 years. She has worked across a variety of genres in RTÉ & the independent television sector. Since 2007 she has exclusively created children’s content for RTÉ. Her experience ranges from creating & developing programme formats, producing & directing in both studio...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - RTÉ, Nickelodeon, DeAKids; Speed Pitching - iQIYI, RTÉ, WarnerMedia APAC
A native of New Zealand, Heath started in the animation industry as a animator and quickly gained experience in story boarding, layout and post production. After working in television and commercials in New Zealand, Heath moved to London as a Freelance Animator where he worked on high-end commercials and music...show more
Speaking on: Pitch Doctoring - Stephanie Betts, Sidney Clifton, Heath Kenny
With a PHD in Developmental Psychology, Telidja Klai is responsible for 360°programming strategy and target strategies at Ketnet the dedicated children’s channel of the Flemish public broadcaster VRT in Belgium.
The main thrust of her activities at Ketnet are the development of children and Ketnet’s vision and values. Telidja is also...show more
Speaking on: Coffee with... RAI, SVT, VRT; Speed Pitching - VRT, YLE Finland, Spotify
Strategist, analyst, author, speaker, connector — David Kleeman has led the children’s media industry in developing sustainable, child-friendly practices for more than 30 years. He began this work as president of the American Center for Children and Media and is now Senior Vice President of Global Trends for Dubit, a...show more
Speaking on: Master planning with Spotify’s Verdell Walker; Hear that? Tuning into the role of sound and music in brand-building
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 co-founder of the children’s content...show more
Speaking on: Cooking with... Amy Kraft (Pinna)
Yann Labasque joined Eurosport International in 1997 in 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 catalog. In parallel with his professional...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - PBS KIDS, M6, TF1; Speed Pitching - WarnerMedia EMEA, TF1, Nickelodeon
Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson is Vice President of News Programming for Nickelodeon, as well as Executive Producer of the recently rebooted Nick News series. In her role, Laguerre-Wilkinson spearheads Nick’s commitment of speaking to kids about the news and issues of the day they care about most, overseeing all aspects of research, development and...show more
Speaking on: Yadda yadda yadda: Why talk shows are blowing up in kids media
Daytime Emmy nominee and 5-time Canadian Comedy Award nominee Brandon Lane is an award-winning director, showrunner, screenwriter and producer. He currently works as Development Producer at legendary Canadian animation-house Nelvana, previously working as Production Executive for Teletoon, YTV, Treehouse and Adult Swim Canada. Over the past decade, Brandon has overseen...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Nelvana, Apple TV+, Cartoon Network; Speed Pitching - DreamWorks Animation TV, Nelvana, Apple TV+
Cort Lane is a passionate creative exec with extensive experience in animation development, production & storytelling. With 12 years at Marvel/Disney and 7 years at Mattel he has built a diverse skillset in kids' entertainment with credits like Barbie In A Christmas Carol, Ultimate Spider-Man, the girls' franchise Marvel Rising and...show more
Speaking on: Pitch Doctoring - Claire Curley, Cort Lane, Mike Vogel
Kristin Lecour has been in the entertainment industry for over 10 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
Speaking on: Cooking with... Kristin Lecour (9 Story Media Group)
Multi-Emmy Award-winning producer Kane Lee heads content for Baobab Studios. Lee has always led at the intersection of technology and media. He is lead producer of 20th Century Fox’s feature film based on the Academy Award-nominated short, The Dam Keeper, and is on producing teams for projects ranging from The...show more
Speaking on: Brainpick—All Things Digital
Leslie Lee is WarnerMedia’s Head of Kids Content, overseeing Cartoon Network, Boomerang and POGO networks and content in Asia Pacific.
Based in Singapore, and part of the Warner Bros. Global Kids, Young Adults and Classics division, his role includes the programming, operations, brand and franchise management, and content direction for the...show more
Speaking on: (Pre-recorded) In Conversation with... Leslie Lee, WarnerMedia APAC
Benjamin Lehmann is the Executive Producer for Sesame Street, where he oversees the creative direction and production teams for the iconic children’s show. He is responsible for the production of all content experiences across broadcast and digital platforms for Sesame Street and is also a Director for the series. Lehmann...show more
Speaking on: Yadda yadda yadda: Why talk shows are blowing up in kids media
Michael H. Levine is an internationally recognized social entrepreneur with a track record driving early childhood and K-12 education reform and transformation at public and private companies, foundations, and government agencies. 20+ years of experience researching educational, developmental, and socioeconomic implications of the emerging media and learning landscape to inform...show more
Speaking on: How content creators can empower families to talk about race
Layla Lewis is Senior Vice President of Global Acquisitions and Content Partnerships for Nickelodeon.
Lewis manages and implements the global strategy for all acquisitions and content partnerships across all Nickelodeon channels and platforms, both in the US and internationally. Responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing strategic content partnerships for Nickelodeon channels...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation with... Jules Borkent & Layla Lewis, Nickelodeon
Carolina Lightcap is the Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Content Officer (CCO) for the 14-network portfolio of Discovery Latin America/US Hispanic (DLA/USH). She is also General Manager at Discovery Kids Media and oversees Discovery Family in the US.
As EVP and CCO for DLA/USH, Lightcap manages all content related areas,...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation with... Flavio Medeiros, Carolina Lightcap & Adriano Schmid, Discovery
As Managing Director of Jellyfish Originals, Natalie drives the development and strategy of Jellyfish Pictures’ original animated children’s content, curating long-form animated series, serials and family features with global commercial appeal.
Bringing over 20 years’ experience to the role, Natalie has extensive knowledge of original IP development, TV production, international sales...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom - After COVID; Creative Corner: Zumba
Debbie Macdonald is a highly experienced senior media executive, with 30 years in the international media industry. Having held senior commissioning positions within the broadcast sector, she now specializes in children’s and family content across the age groups in animation, live-action, factual, and entertainment.
Vast experience in Original Series Production taking...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom - Tackling Inclusion
Brenda Maffuchi joined De Agostini Editore in December 2012 as Head of Acquisitions & Property Development and is responsible for analyzing, negotiating, and managing all content acquisition and all international co-productions for De Agostini’s channels in Italy. In this role, she also supervises the complete development process for the local...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - DeAKids, BBC Children's, ITV; Coffee with... DeAKids, Disney Junior, Nickelodeon
Josh Mandel is a senior level film, broadcast and digital content producer and production executive with over 15 years of experience producing and developing content for companies: Mattel, Disney, Pixar, Warner Bros, Universal, Sony, DC Comics, Dreamworks, Microsoft, Amazon, Interscope, Atlantic Records and WWE.
Josh began his filmmaking career in Development...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Sesame Workshop, Gloob/Gloobinho, Amazon Kids; Speed Pitching - PBS KIDS, Nickelodeon, Amazon Kids
Born and raised in Colombia, Alfredo Marun moved to the United States in his early teens and quickly found his passion for filmmaking and storytelling. He is currently a Director of Development at Disney Television Animation working closely with creators to develop new animated series based on original ideas as...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Nickelodeon, Disney Channels, Discovery Kids; Speed Pitching - PBS KIDS, Disney Channels, WildBrain/Family Channel
As Head of Nelvana Enterprises, Mellany Masterson brings over 15 years of knowledge and a specialized focus within the kids entertainment and consumer products space. Mellany oversees the global brand strategy, content distribution, digital, licensing, and retail development for Nelvana’s extensive brand portfolio.
Mellany previously served as Director of Global Business...show more
Speaking on: Cooking with... Mellany Masterson (Nelvana)
With more than 20 years of experience in the audiovisual field and especially in the distribution of cultural and entertainment contents, Raphaelle Mathieu has been involved in the creation of television and feature animation production companies, such as Daydream Production and Timing.
Raphaelle has also co-founded several associations that gather and...show more
Speaking on: Sales story: Global exclusive or regional deals?
Vikrant Mathur is a seasoned high-tech silicon valley media executive with 15+ years of experience in designing, developing, launching and growing complex technical products both with startups and Fortune 500 companies. Vikrant is a pioneer in the online video industry having founded Future Today Inc. (http://www.futuretodayinc.com/) as a video distribution...show more
Speaking on: Brainpick—All Things Digital
Stacey is a researcher, creator and advocate whose mission is to develop content and technology that helps kids do the work of growing up. Stacey is passionate about opportunities to scale nurturing through intentional technology tools and inspiring media experiences.
Stacey has served on Bridge Multimedia’s Advisory Board to support efforts...show more
Speaking on: User-generated content on a whole new level
Makeda Mays Green is Vice President, Digital Consumer Insights at Nickelodeon. In her role, she evaluates the most effective ways to reach target audiences through innovative research methodologies across Nickelodeon’s platforms.
Previously, she served as the Director of Education & Research, Digital Media at Sesame Workshop (the creators of Sesame Street),...show more
Speaking on: How content creators can empower families to talk about race
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.
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Gloob/Gloobinho, CBC Kids, Disney; In Conversation with... Marie McCann, CBC Kids; Speed Pitching - Amazon Kids, CBC Kids, YouTube
Menal has over 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...show more
Speaking on: The new licensing deal
Kristen McGregor is an Emmy award-winning writer, director, and producer of kids and family content. A dual citizen of Canada and the US, she's currently focused on developing new projects after serving as a creative executive for children's programming at AppleTV+, where she helped launch the service. A multi-hyphenate, Kristen...show more
Speaking on: Creative Corner: Juggling
Maggie McGuire is CEO of Pinna, an audio-first children's media company offering the first and only ad-free, audio on-demand streaming service for kids. Pinna delivers breakthrough, original audio programming curated and created for kids 3-12 that includes podcasts, music, and audiobooks. A seasoned media executive with deep experience in cross-platform...show more
Speaking on: Brainpick—All Things Digital
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 U.S....show more
Speaking on: In Conversation with... Flavio Medeiros, Carolina Lightcap & Adriano Schmid, Discovery
David Michel is Co-Founder of European production powerhouse Federation Entertainment, the production company behind hits such as The Bureau and Baby, on Netflix, as well as Managing Director of its kids’ division Federation Kids & Family. He is also Founder & President of Cottonwood Media, a production subsidiary of Federation...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom - After COVID
Luca Milano, manager at RAI Radiotelevisione Italiana, the Italian public broadcaster.
Executive Director of “Rai Ragazzi”, Rai's department for children and kids, controlling 2 free-to-air TV Channels (Rai Yoyo, the leading Italian children's channel, and Rai Gulp), as well as the units for production and co-production of Animation, kids' drama and live...show more
Speaking on: Coffee with... RAI, TF1, NRK; Coffee with... RAI, SVT, VRT
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
Speaking on: MASTER CLASS—Breaking down the SVOD deal
Lydia joined KidsKnowBest as Editorial Director in March 2020. She is responsible for shaping the editorial and content strategy across a new range of digital products for kids. Lydia manages the business communications and tone of voice to ensure everything they do stays true to their ethos to ‘give kids...show more
Speaking on: Meet the new cliques
Kevin is the lead founder and CEO of HUGE Play, a direct-to-fan toy and play company committed to developing extremely high levels of play innovation brought to fans through their own aggregation networks.
Kevin is also the principal and founder of Mowrer Meta-Story, a franchise and entertainment story consultancy that counts...show more
Sarah Muller has recently re-joined Children’s BBC as the Head of Independent Animation and Acquisitions. Previously she was Vice President of Children’s and Youth Programming at Sony Pictures Television with responsibility for the Pop and Sony Music Channels and before that, Sarah was Head of Children’s at Channel 5 where...show more
Speaking on: Cocktails with... BBC Children's; Speed Pitching - BBC Children's, NRK Super, Super RTL; Speed Pitching - DeAKids, BBC Children's, ITV; (Pre-Recorded) In Conversation with... Sarah Muller, BBC Children's
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
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Disney Channels, CBC Kids, Apple TV+; Speed Pitching - Amazon Kids, DeAKids, CBC Kids
Lucy is Director of Kids Content for Sky in the UK and ROI. She is responsible for Sky’s kids content across all platforms which includes 8 live channels and a library of over 5,000 On Demand episodes, as well as overseeing the continued development of the successful Sky Kids App.
Lucy’s...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation with... Lucy Murphy, Sky Kids
Darren is responsible for leading negotiations on a range of acquired series, films and kids deals across the ITV portfolio (ITV1, ITV2, ITVBe, ITV3, ITV4, CITV and littleBe). For CITV & littleBe, Darren has acquired a range of live-action and animated comedies such as Detention Adventure, Mighty Mike, Mr. Bean...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - ITV, BBC Studios, Canal+; Speed Pitching - DeAKids, BBC Children's, ITV
Françoise Nieto-Fong has worked producing, distributing, translating, and adapting different genres of audiovisual content. Her current portfolio includes award-winning kid and youth shows such as Floor Rules, #Marty, Storytime with Sound Effects, 7 Little Criminals, and Rhubarb among others. When she is not thinking about the entertainment industry, she is...show more
Speaking on: Creative Corner: Origami
A senior executive with more than 30 years experience in theatrical and TV distribution. Mevelyn’s career includes overseeing international sales and distribution divisions for companies with large libraries, acquisition activity, and busy on-going production slates. Encompassed among her duties is the participation in all aspects of sales, acquisitions, development, marketing...show more
Speaking on: Sales story: Global exclusive or regional deals?
Jon Ollwerther joined Genius Brands from Measure, the nation's leading Drone as a Service® company. As Vice President of Media, Ollwerther grew the Arts & Entertainment division from its inception and worked with leading media companies and advertisers like ABC, CBS, ESPN, Red Bull Media House, Coach, Prada, Maker's Mark,...show more
Speaking on: How to bring your A-game to AVOD; Chatroom - Producer Life
Veronica Pickett, Head of Original Video for Amazon Kids, lives to tell entertaining stories that have a positive effect on young audiences. Her career has been defined by unique gigs that combine science and creativity. Veronica currently oversees original video programming for Amazon Kids+, Amazon’s digital media subscription service for...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation with... Veronica Pickett, Amazon Kids
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 is currently developing preschool programming for AppleTV+, after spending the past few years creating, showrunning and providing expertise on children’s media through her company, JamPie Media,...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Disney Channels, CBC Kids, Apple TV+; Speed Pitching - DreamWorks Animation TV, Nelvana, Apple TV+
Adina Pitt
VP, Content Acquisitions, Partnerships and Co-Productions for the Americas, WarnerMedia Kids and Family
WarnerMedia Kids and Family
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
Speaking on: In Conversation with... Adina Pitt, Cartoon Network & Boomerang; MASTER CLASS—Perfecting your virtual pitch
Gary Pope is co-founder of Kids Industries. The company that makes family brands stronger. Gary began his career as a school teacher leading an English department before becoming a learning designer for a change management consultancy. Today Gary leads Kids Industries finding answers to the most knotty problems in the...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom - Producer Life
Irene Pothecary-Huse, Acquisitions Executive at NRK Super, Norway’s foremost multi-platform Children’s channel.
In 1996, the Norwegian public broadcaster, NRK, launched NRK2 in which Irene was part of the creation team. She has since served as Project Manager and Executive feature film/ fiction buyer for NRK1 and NRK2. In 2007 Irene helped...show more
Speaking on: Coffee with... RAI, TF1, NRK; Speed Pitching - BBC Children's, NRK Super, Super RTL
Griffin comes to MarketCast with an extensive background in child development, technology, and design – including conducting research on how cartoons impact children’s identity formation and working in early intervention with kids with developmental delays.
At MarketCast, Griffin manages children’s media research for leading brands around the world, from genre authority...show more
Speaking on: Mental health check: Are the kids really alright?
As Vice President, Consumer Products and Business Development for BBC Studios – Americas, Suzy Lee Raia is responsible for driving the licensing and consumer products strategies across BBC Studios’ portfolio of properties for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. Overseeing a variety of intellectual properties, Raia’s purview includes product licensing...show more
Speaking on: The new licensing deal
Daniel has spent 15 years in research developing a deep understanding of consumers from every angle. He started out administering surveys on clipboards and cold calls which quickly ignited his interest in finding out everything there is to know about people. He honed quant, qual, passive tracking, ad optimization, and...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom - Tackling Inclusion
Carl Reed is the President and Co-founder of Lion Forge Animation, and Producer of the Academy Award-winning film, Hair Love.
Carl’s career includes 20 years in media. Over the course of his career, Carl has worked with partners to produce a variety of different types of content, from comic books to...show more
Speaking on: The big short: How to turn bite-sized ideas into long-form content
Sarah Riding leads The Insights People research and insights team, having previously worked for ITV, Zodiak Media and consulted to companies such as Viacom International, BBC Global, K7 Media, GFK and MediaCom.
Speaking on: Chatroom - After COVID
Peter is an experienced consultant, who has been working in kids media for over a decade. Peter has specialized in new technology, kid’s 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 and families...show more
Speaking on: How to bring your A-game to AVOD; The science of sparking joy
Yurie Rocha is a Creative Director at Guru Studio, the Toronto-based entertainment company and industry leader in animated storytelling. For over 17 years Yurie’s love for characters and comedy have brought to life much loved shows such as PAW Patrol, True and the Rainbow Kingdom, and most recently the...show more
Speaking on: Brainpick—Leaning into Licensing
As VP of Animation Production and Development, Chris Rose heads up the internal and external animation development and production teams for Nickelodeon International. In addition to identifying and developing new IP for Nick Toons, Nickelodeon, and Nick Jr, Rose works across Nick International’s original animated content production slate and manages...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - RTÉ, Nickelodeon, DeAKids; Speed Pitching - iQIYI, Nickelodeon, Canal+
Orion Ross is based in London and is responsible for the creative development and production of original animated series for Disney's Europe and Africa media networks including Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney+.
Current and recent projects include Chip 'N' Dale, 101 Dalmatian Street, Miraculous Ladybug, PJ Masks, Furiki Wheels, Gigantosaurus,...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - M6, BNNVARA, Disney EMEA; Speed Pitching - M6/Gulli/Tiji/Canal J, BBC Studios, Disney EMEA; In Conversation with... Orion Ross, Disney EMEA
Dr. Colleen Russo Johnson is the Chief Scientist and co-founder of The OK Company, makers of the OK Play app. As a developmental psychologist with an expertise in children's media and technology, Colleen serves as an adjunct professor at Ryerson University and co-founder of the Ryerson Children’s Media Lab. She...show more
Speaking on: How content creators can empower families to talk about race
Shai Samet is a proud husband and father of five, an experienced and award-winning Internet safety and privacy expert, and a college tennis hall-of-famer. When he’s not exploring California’s coastal food scene for the best kosher dish, he's fulfilling his role as the founder and president of the kidSAFE Seal...show more
Speaking on: Brainpick—All Things Digital
From 2013 to present, Dr. Sapp has served as project director for multiple accessible media projects funded by the Department of Education, Office of Special Education. Projects have included expanding the use of audio description for children’s educational television programming, creating accessible online educational games for children, and providing guidance...show more
Speaking on: Confronting your biases
As Senior Director of Production, Adriano Schmid oversees the team responsible for program development and original productions for Discovery Kids Latin America.
Among some of the most recent Discovery Kids projects completed under his supervision is Mini Beat Power Rockers, the CG-animated series about a group of babies who want to...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation with... Flavio Medeiros, Carolina Lightcap & Adriano Schmid, Discovery
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
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - VRT, YLE Finland, Spotify
With over 25 years of experience in media rights distribution and global franchise development, Claudia is an accomplished media professional with a focus in the children’s entertainment arena. Prior to forming Cookbook Media, Claudia served as Senior Vice President, Global Distribution, at The Jim Henson Company, where she spearheaded media...show more
Speaking on: MASTER CLASS—Perfecting your virtual pitch
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
Speaking on: Cooking with... Natalie Setton (Herschend)
Jay Shah leads Global Content Partnerships 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
Speaking on: Coffee with... Disney Junior, LEGO, Nickelodeon; Coffee with... LEGO, Nickelodeon, Super RTL
As Vice President of Digital & Platform, Kate Sils oversees international digital content strategy and social engagement for Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., MTV, Comedy Central, Paramount Network and BET for ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI).
In this role, Sils leads a team that leverages the scale of ViacomCBS’s global organization by disseminating and...show more
Speaking on: Coffee with... Disney Junior, LEGO, Nickelodeon; Coffee with... LEGO, Nickelodeon, Super RTL
As the Head of PBS KIDS Content, Linda Simensky collaborates with producers, co-production partners, PBS station programmers, and distributors throughout the development, production, post-production, broadcast, and digital phases for PBS KIDS content. She leads the development of a multi-platform video content strategy, designed to respond to the quickly evolving media...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation with... Linda Simensky, PBS Kids
With more than 25 years of experience in the development, production and distribution of cultural and entertainment products, Pierre Sissmann has been involved in TV channel launches, music production and distribution and even in the creation of a press group. After being a top executive at Sony Music for 10...show more
Speaking on: Yadda yadda yadda: Why talk shows are blowing up in kids media
Leticia Smith has 14 years’ experience working with kids’ content. She is currently the Sourcing & Acquisitions Manager for Discovery Kids Latin America. She has worked in the sourcing department for the last seven years and prior to working in sourcing & acquisitions, Leticia worked programming Discovery Kids for 7...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Cartoon Network, Discovery Kids, Spotify; Speed Pitching - Nickelodeon, Disney Channels, Discovery Kids
Jamie has worked in Kids TV for the last 15 years. His professional highlights include launching & programming the Disney Junior and Disney XD EMEA channels, leading the Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy for Disney PRIDE UK & Ireland, spending a morning with Selena Gomez’s mum gossiping over croissants, and working...show more
Speaking on: Cocktails with... Disney+/Disney Channels
Ellen has overseen the content strategy at Hopster since 2015. She has led the development of Hopster’s original content productions and served as executive producer for Hopsters Original series including Two Minutes Tales and Saturday Club. Ellen has been a juror for the Children’s BAFTA and the British Animation Awards,...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - WarnerMedia EMEA, SVT, Hopster; Speed Pitching - DreamWorks Animation TV, Disney Channels, Hopster
Tara Sorensen is Apple’s Head of Children’s Programming, Worldwide Video. A respected children’s programming executive, Sorensen oversees the development and production of original live-action and animated children’s series globally.
Previously, Sorensen served as Head of Kids Programming for Amazon Studios, where she launched the division and shepherded Emmy Award-winning series, including Tumble Leaf,...show more
Speaking on: Cocktails with... Apple TV+
Ralph Sosa, graduated from the California Institute of the Arts, Animation Department, and is an Emmy and Annie nominated storyboard artist, with 24 years of experience. Working at all major studios from Fox, WB, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and Sony. Ralph Sosa has directed several episodes of The Simpsons, was Assistant...show more
Speaking on: Brainpick—Getting Creative
Since 2011 Geraldine Soto has been the Head of Acquisitions, Prebuys, and Coproductions for the Kids Department of CANAL+. She is in charge of spotting and acquiring kids contents for teleTOON+ (6-10 yo), Piwi+ (3-6 yo), Canal+Family kids slots, and SVOD kids content for the platform published by CANAL+ Group.
Between...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - ITV, BBC Studios, Canal+; Speed Pitching - iQIYI, Nickelodeon, Canal+
Philippe Soutter has been working in the entertainment and media industry for more than 10 years - holding positions in programming, advertising, production and international distribution. Philippe and Guillaume Soutter co-founded PGS Entertainment in 2008. Today PGS Entertainment is a leading, award-winning international brand management company, dedicated to kids and...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom - After COVID
An Emmy® winning and 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 establishing the Company’s creative culture across all territories.
Stanford most recently executive produced the short form series Fraggle Rock: Rock...show more
Speaking on: Yadda yadda yadda: Why talk shows are blowing up in kids media
Rebecca is the Research Director at KidsKnowBest, leading research in the key behaviours that impact kids’ development and helping brands develop global strategies to engage family audiences. Since joining KidsKnowBest Rebecca has worked with brands such as Cartoon Network, eOne, Hasbro and Viacom.
Speaking on: Meet the new cliques
Syrinthia Studer is Executive Vice President, Nickelodeon and Awesomeness Films, overseeing all live-action feature-length content for Awesomeness and Nickelodeon’s Kids & Family Studio in a role that encompasses development, production, acquisitions and co-financing.
A 20-year industry veteran, Studer previously served as Paramount Pictures’ Executive Vice President, Worldwide Acquisitions, where she oversaw...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation with... Syrinthia Studer, Nickelodeon
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
Speaking on: Cooking with... Melanie Summers (Driver Studios)
Carlene Tan is responsible for identifying new IP and producing original series for Cartoon Network, Boomerang and POGO in Asia Pacific.
Based in Singapore, she oversees the region’s current slate of originals that include the International Emmy-nominated Lamput, the brand-new Monster Beach, as well as steeringthe production on the long-running Roll...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - iQIYI, RTÉ, WarnerMedia APAC
Asalle Tanha is director of development for Cartoon Network Original Series, where she is responsible for finding and developing new original shows. She has developed 17 artist-driven shorts in addition to the hit series Victor and Valentino, Craig of the Creek, Apple & Onion, and Infinity Train, as well as...show more
Speaking on: The big short: How to turn bite-sized ideas into long-form content
Baratunde Thurston is an Emmy-nominated host who has worked for The Onion, produced for The Daily Show, advised the Obama White House, and wrote the New York Times bestseller How To Be Black. He’s the executive producer and host of two podcasts: How To Citizen with Baratunde and We’re Having A Moment which CNET called...show more
Speaking on: KEYNOTE—Reframing the story: How to deconstruct racism through the tales we tell
Jennifer Twiner-McCarron is the CEO of Thunderbird Entertainment Group, and its Kids and Family Division, Atomic Cartoons. The Vancouver-based global multiplatform entertainment company creates award-winning scripted, unscripted and animated programming for the world’s leading digital platforms, as well as Canadian and International broadcasters.
Jennifer Twiner-McCarron joined Atomic Cartoons, Thunderbird Entertainment’s kids and family...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom - After COVID
Wynne Tyree is the founder and president of Smarty Pants, an international market research and strategic consulting firm that specializes in youth and families. She is a leading authority on the lifestyles and behaviors of kids, teens and parents around the globe. She is a gifted brand builder, speaker, writer...show more
Speaking on: The changing perception of self
Karissa is a California Native --- literally! She grew up between sunny San Diego and the Santa Ynez Chumash Reservation. Karissa studied English and Communication at the University of San Diego and then pursued a graduate degree in Television and Film at Syracuse University. Karissa is passionate about animation and...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom - Tackling Inclusion
As the Vice President of Live Action Production and Development, Valentine oversees all development and production for Nickelodeon International. From identifying IP, through every stage of production to premiere, Valentine handles development, writing, casting, and post-production for Nickelodeon’s productions in multiple global regions including, Hunter Street (Netherlands), Spyders (Israel), and...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - WarnerMedia EMEA, TF1, Nickelodeon; Coffee with... DeAKids, Disney Junior, Nickelodeon
Marc van den Bosch-Mprah joined Super RTL as Senior Manager – Content Acquisitions & Co-Production in 2019. In this function, Marc oversees and negotiates the acquisition, development and co-production of kids content for the Broadcast Channels and the SVOD Services.
Prior to joining Super RTL, Marc was a Key Account Manager...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Kidoodle.TV, Disney, SuperRTL; Cocktails with... Super RTL
Tom began his career in animation at Nelvana in 1996 as Director of its London office. In 1999, Tom moved to Copenhagen to head up Egmont Imagination as its President where he was involved in the production of over 100 hours of animation.
Tom started his own company in 2004 and...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom - Producer Life
Jennifer Vaux oversees content acquisition for the ad-supported component of Roku’s owned and operated channel, The Roku Channel. She is responsible for sourcing and executing innovative programming acquisition deals across a range of content and business models. She works to license content for The Roku Channel in United States, Canada...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation with... Jennifer Vaux, Roku
In August of 2020 Karen was appointed the newly created role of SVP, Creative Executive, Gaumont Animation & Family, Europe, based in Gaumont's UK offices. Given her extensive experience across the industry, Karen leads the charge in creating and fostering strategic partnerships throughout Europe,overseeing funding models/partners for Gaumont's current development...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom - After COVID
Kerstin Viehbach joined Super RTL in 1999. After working as a producer for non-fictional children's content, she joined the Co-Production department.
Since this year she is heading the Commissioning & Development department. She and her team are searching for the best children's programmes and are also supervising co-developments.
Speaking on: In Conversation with... Marion Winter & Kerstin Viehbach, Super RTL; Coffee with... LEGO, Nickelodeon, Super RTL; Speed Pitching - BNNVARA, NRK Super, Super RTL
Michael Vogel is a writer, producer and super geek who has been fortunate enough to work on some of the biggest brands in the entertainment industry. He has a proven track record in developing IP across features, television (prime time and cable) live action, animation and digital.
His experience as a...show more
Speaking on: Pitch Doctoring - Claire Curley, Cort Lane, Mike Vogel
Verdell Walker is the Head of Kids Audio Content at Spotify. In this role, she oversees the development and production of original audio content for the growing kids vertical on Spotify. She is responsible for developing and executing the programming strategy for original audio content made for kids aged 3-9.
Prior...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - VRT, YLE Finland, Spotify; Master planning with Spotify’s Verdell Walker; Speed Pitching - Cartoon Network, Discovery Kids, Spotify
Katie Wilson, Vice President, Channels and Curation, WildBrain Television, is responsible for curating content and providing editorial direction across WildBrain’s portfolio of Canadian broadcast channels – Family Channel, Family CHRGD, Family Jr., Télémagino and their multiplatform/VOD extensions. Central to her role, Wilson spearheads WildBrain Television’s content acquisition and original production program....show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - PBS KIDS, Disney Channels, WildBrain/Family Channel; Speed Pitching - Kidoodle.TV, Apple TV+, WildBrain/Family Channel; In Conversation with... Katie Wilson, WildBrain/Family Channel
Kay Wilson Stallings serves as Executive Vice President of Creative and Production for Sesame Workshop.
She oversees Sesame Street and all Sesame Workshop shows, as well as the development of new programs and content across existing and emerging platforms. Wilson Stallings leads creative for domestic production and partners with global teams...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom - Tackling Inclusion
Marion Winter joined Super RTL in April 2011 as Senior Manager of Acquisitions and Co-Productions. Previously, she held numerous positions within the Program Acquisitions and Sales department of parent network RTL Television, and worked as Manager of Content Sourcing for RTL Interactive’s online, mobile and VOD platforms.
Speaking on: Speed Pitching - BBC Children's, NRK Super, Super RTL; In Conversation with... Marion Winter & Kerstin Viehbach, Super RTL
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
Speaking on: Hear that? Tuning into the role of sound and music in brand-building
Mike is a Software Engineer Lead at Unity, where he is helping to define the future of Film, TV and Animation for Unity. He leads teams of creators on innovative projects, most notably Baymax Dreams (which won Unity their first Technical Emmy in 2019) as well as the collaboration with...show more
Gerald Youngblood is the Founder of Tankee, Inc., an award-winning media company dedicated to the future of family-friendly digital entertainment. He is also the Head of Brand, Consumer & Creative Services for NSF International, an organization dedicated to protecting and improving human health since 1944. Youngblood is a Mentor-in-Residence at...show more
Speaking on: How to bring your A-game to AVOD
Candida Zelaya is the Director of Programming at Corus Entertainment, overseeing the 10-network portfolio of Corus Kids, including flagship networks, YTV, Treehouse and TELETOON. In addition to overseeing content and scheduling strategy, she manages acquisition needs across the portfolio. She also works closely and collaborates with international partners including Nickelodeon,...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation with... Candida Zelaya, Corus
Nadine Zylstra works with family and learning partners on YouTube. Prior to working at YouTube, Zylstra served as Vice President of Sesame Street Production and Programming and Supervising Producer for Sesame Street. She has been recognized with numerous awards including a Peabody Award, Emmy Awards for Outstanding Directing and Producing...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation with... Nadine Zylstra, YouTube; Cocktails with... YouTube
