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Drag stars Fay Slift (JP Kane) + Fluffy Soufflé (Kaleb Robertson) have been doing drag storytimes as a duo since June 2016. Based in Toronto, they have been fortunate to do so many local events at some of Toronto's biggest cultural institutions, libraries and family events across the city. They...show more
Featured in: Kidscreen Awards (Bayfront Ballroom)
Ainara Alleyne is a 13-year-old host, co-creator, co-writer, and executive producer of the new Turtlebox Productions series Ainara's Bookshelf (10 x 11 min). The series, which brings a world of diverse books to tween audiences, is inspired by Ainara's Instagram page @ainarasbookshelf. Ainara's mission is to highlight books for young people whose...show more
Featured in: Who’s the Boss: Powering up kid-led content
Lauren Appelbaum (she/her) is the Senior Vice President of Communications and Entertainment & News Media of RespectAbility, a diverse, disability-led nonprofit that works to create systemic change in how society views and values people with disabilities. As an individual with an acquired physical disability – Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy – she...show more
Featured in: DEI 2.0: It’s all in the details; Brainpick
Mounia Aram is a professional of the animation industry with more than 20 years’ experience. She started her career at ShoPro Entertainment in 2003, a company specialized in Japanese animation based in San Francisco.
Featured in: Lunch & Learn: Kids TV Fundamentals; Brainpick
As assistant director of content for PBS KIDS, Catie Asip oversees the development of new content. She works with creators from pitch to pilot, helping shape their projects for the PBS KIDS audience. She also serves as production executive for several current PBS KIDS series, including Clifford the Big Red Dog,...show more
Featured in: Pitch Prep 2; Cocktails with... PBS KIDS
Lucia Baez-Geller was elected straight from the classroom in 2020. As a school board member, she has made student achievement, mental health, family involvement, and increasing teacher recruitment and retention her main policy priorities. Recently, Lucia was the only school board member to vote to recognize October as LGBTQ History...show more
Featured in: We Say Gay
JUST B Clients are Broadcasters, Producers, Media Conglomerates, Producer Associations, Funding Organisations and Governmental bodies.
Justine is at the KSS 23 on behalf of Wolkenlenker & Wonderz in Germany for International business development and project financing.
For more information on services check out https://www.justb-consulting.com/
Featured in: Brainpick
Edward Barnieh is Vice President of Development, BBC Studios Kids & Family. He leads a hugely talented development production team across a large portfolio of development projects, providing expert creative direction across multiple genres, managing transition from development to production - while assessing marketplace opportunities and risks.
Barnieh is a hugely experienced...show more
Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Edward Barnieh, BBC Studios Kids & Family
Samantha Bee has quickly established herself as having one of the most unique and sharp comedic voices on television. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Bee began her career performing as a member of the all-female sketch comedy troupe The Atomic Fireballs. In 2003, Bee joined Comedy Central's The Daily Show's "Best...show more
Featured in: KEYNOTE - Let’s Get Silly: Samantha Bee x Allana Harkin
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's The Last Kids on Earth and several Netflix series...show more
Featured in: Lunch & Learn: Kids TV Fundamentals
Tami Bhaumik is the Vice President of Civility and Partnerships at Roblox where she spearheads the platform's digital civility initiative and works to foster a global community of internet safety leaders to ensure good digital citizenship on Roblox. To establish a healthy and safe community, Tami is focused on providing...show more
Featured in: What’s Next on Roblox: Hot topics and new opportunities
Tricia Biggio is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Invisible Universe, an internet-first animation studio that is building the Pixar of the internet. In her role, Biggio leads the creative strategy for the company, including the development of Invisible Universe’s animated characters and the day-to-day operations of the business.
Featured in: Faster, Better, Cheaper: The future of IP development
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 acquisitions of top children’s media content from around the world, as well as a future caster for all new business development on behalf...show more
Featured in: Brainpick
Fred Black is a research manager at Ampere Analysis, where he leads research into the commissioning and production of TV and Film content. . Fred is an experienced researcher and presenter, having covered topics including the Studios’ SVoD expansion, genre trends in Documentary and Format content, the future for aggregation...show more
Featured in: Popularity Contest: Why the medium matters as much as the message
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
Featured in: Lunch & Learn: Kids TV Fundamentals
Coralie Boitrelle-Laigle studied Modern Letters then Technique and Media Language. She began her career in production within various animation studios. In 2008, she joined the TF1 Group as a program advisor for the youth section before taking charge of the development of live programs and shows. After two years consulting...show more
Featured in: Speed Pitching 1
Bethany Boles began her career at WGBH, the PBS affiliate in Boston. It was there that she fell in love with children's television, working on such award-winning shows as Design Squad and Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman. After receiving her
Master's Degree in Television from Boston University, Bethany moved to Los Angeles, where she continued to pursue her...show more
Featured in: Who’s the Boss: Powering up kid-led content
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
Featured in: Working with Nickelodeon
Betsy's experiences working in online parenting and entertainment content were the perfect preparation for her role as Common Sense's editorial director, head of ratings and reviews. After earning bachelor's and master's degrees from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism in 1997, she began her editorial career at BabyCenter.com and then...show more
Featured in: The Good Guys: How character traits drive kids entertainment wins
Maja Braun started her career in television in 2004. She has worked as editor-in-chief for various companies in the television industry on a wide range of projects including multi-camera live, human interest, cultural and youth programming. In 2016, Maja became Commissioning Editor at BNNVARA and was responsible for all content...show more
Featured in: Coffee with...
Ricardo Briceno is the Chief Business Officer at Gamefam, a leading metaverse game developer and publisher that creates connected experiences with the largest gaming communities and well-known brands. As the first executive hire at Gamefam, Ricardo oversees the company’s brand partnerships, advertising network, as well as franchise development for the...show more
Featured in: Roadmap to Roblox
Stephanie Brown is a creative executive at Apple TV+ focusing on shows in development and current series for preschoolers and bridge audiences. Her projects currently include "Duck and Goose," "Sago Mini Friends," "Get Rolling with Otis" and "Hello Jack! The Kindness Show,” among others. Prior to joining Apple, she was an executive in charge at...show more
Featured in: Speed Pitching 4; Cocktails with... Apple TV+
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...show more
Featured in: Speed Pitching 3
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 internationally
Massimo...show more
Featured in: Coffee with...; 30 Minutes with... DeAKids and KidsMe
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, Inc., a consultancy that works in product development, strategic planning, organizational development, and marketing. He consults on entertainment and licensing (animated and
...show moreFeatured in: The Future of Toys
Monica Candiani brings more than 20 years of experience in the media industry to her role as Executive Vice President, Content Sales-Family Brands at Hasbro/eOne. As the head of the eOne Family Brands global sales team, she manages the global distribution of kids entertainment content—including beloved brands PEPPA PIG,...show more
Featured in: Content x Confidence: Building up the next generation
Corey Caplan is the Senior Director of International Sales at Guru Studio, where he helps manage, grow and distribute Guru's slate of original IP with a 360-degree approach to international media and M&L sales. In addition, Corey is involved in securing presales, third-party acquisitions and co-productions with partners and broadcasters...show more
Featured in: Pitch Prep 1
George Carey is president and CEO of The Family Room, a market intelligence company that turns consumer emotion into concrete data for the leading media, entertainment and consumer brands in the world.
At the heart of Carey’s work is the company’s Passion Points platform, a leading tracker of consumer sentiment. Grounded...show more
Featured in: Just Let ‘Em Laugh: Exploring an audience shift away from edutainment
Emily Carson is the development manager at Disney Television Animation, helping make shows for Disney Channel and Disney+. Some of her projects include Zombies: The Re-Animated Series, Primos, and many shows that have yet to be announced. Previously she worked in production, both in development (pilots: The Ghost and Molly McGee, Kiff)...show more
Featured in: Speed Pitching 3; Cocktails with... Disney
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
Featured in: Just Let ‘Em Laugh: Exploring an audience shift away from edutainment; Cocktails with... Nickelodeon; Working with Nickelodeon
Lana Castleman is Director, Marketing & Communications for Thunderbird Entertainment and oversees trade marketing and communications for Thunderbird and its subsidiaries Atomic Cartoons and Great Pacific Media. Previously, she served as Director of Communications for the Writers Guild of Canada, which represents more than 2,500 professional English-language screenwriters in Canada....show more
Featured in: Making it Big on the Big Screen
A seasoned professional in the broadcast industry, Ronojoy Chakraborty heads Content production for Sony Pictures Networks India’s- Kids’ Business. He is responsible for curating the overall content mix and programming for the leading TV channel in the kids category - Sony YAY! along with foray into new content production by...show more
Featured in: Cocktails with... Sony YAY!
Swin Chang is the Executive in Charge of Development and Production for CBC Kids. She works with the independent production community to seek out, create and curate preschool and tween content for CBC TV and CBC Gem. In this role, she focuses on development and acquisitions, and oversees production of...show more
Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Swin Chang, CBC Kids
Passion, bold leadership, and a no-bullshit attitude make Živa stand out from the pack. She is responsible for the distribution of Outfit7’s growing gaming portfolio, overseeing all its marketing activities and driving the strategic brand development for Talking Tom & Friends, the company’s most popular IP. Her vision is for...show more
Featured in: Going Game-First
Kevin is a program director at the National Science Foundation, where he provides oversight for a multi-million dollar portfolio that focuses on the use of digital technology and media for STEM learning. Previously, Kevin was director of preschool animation at Netflix, where he sourced, evaluated, and guided the development of...show more
Featured in: Tough Talk: Kids content fills the gap on heavy conversations
Rick Clodfelter, executive director, Content Acquisitions and Partnerships, Disney Branded Television, has a distinct focus on acquiring series, movies and short-form content — scripted and unscripted, live-action and animation — developed and produced by third-party providers for Disney+, Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior, with a primary focus on...show more
Featured in: Coffee with...; 30 Minutes with... Rick Clodfelter (Disney Branded Television) & Ingrid Tous Tovar (Disney Junior); Cocktails with... Disney
Roni Cohen-Sandler, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist specializing in parenting; the issues of preteens, adolescents, emerging adults; and mother-daughter relationships. Among her four parenting books is the recently released Anything But My Phone, Mom! Raising Emotionally Resilient Daughters in the Digital Age (Penguin Life, 2022). Dr. Cohen-Sandler is frequently invited as an expert on national television...show more
Featured in: Just Let ‘Em Laugh: Exploring an audience shift away from edutainment
Casey Collins joined Hasbro in 2018, bringing decades of experience and leadership in the licensing industry. He is currently the Head of Licensed Consumer Products & Business Development at Hasbro where he is focused on creating and delivering the world’s best play and entertainment experiences across Hasbro’s Brand Blueprint through...show more
Featured in: Retail’s New Reality
Dylan Collins is one of Europe’s most experienced digital media entrepreneurs.
He is CEO of SuperAwesome, the technology company which powers kid-safe digital engagement for hundreds of companies with over half a billion children every month. The pioneering company behind the kidtech industry, SuperAwesome operates at the intersection of digital privacy...show more
Featured in: Going Game-First
Michael is Founder and CEO of Retail Monster LLC, an innovative, leading Licensing Agency with offices in the US and Europe. He has been appointed to Licensing International’s Board of Directors in 2022. Connolly has overseen many of the world’s largest most successful consumer products divisions, and has diversity of...show more
Featured in: Lunch & Learn: Consumer Products
Misty Copeland is a Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theatre, the first Black woman to be promoted to the position in the company's 75-year history in 2015. She has performed some of the most iconic classical ballet roles, including Odette/Odile in Swan Lake; Juliet in Romeo & Juliet; Giselle; Manon; Coppelia; Kitri in Don Quixote; and Firebird, to name...show more
Featured in: KEYNOTE - Icons in Conversation: Sonia Manzano x Misty Copeland
Claudia Dalley joined Narrative Entertainment as Head of Programming in July 2021 following the acquisition of the Pop Channels from Sony Pictures Television. She was at Sony for over seven years prior to the migration, primarily managing the UK pre-school channel Tiny Pop.
Sourcing, negotiating, acquiring and commissioning long and short-form content are part of her remit...show more
Featured in: Speed Pitching 3; Speed Pitching 4
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
Featured in: Speed Pitching 2; Coffee with...
As Senior Vice President and General Manager, PBS KIDS, Sara DeWitt is responsible for the strategic direction of the dynamic PBS KIDS media service that supports children ages 2-8, their parents, teachers and caregivers, and local communities.
Ms. DeWitt leads a cross-disciplinary team charged with making PBS KIDS – the...show more
Featured in: Tough Talk: Kids content fills the gap on heavy conversations
David Di Lorenzo has more than 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. In his current role he oversees programming, content acquisitions, channel (app) partnerships and monetization across Future Todays extensive portfolio of Kids & Family channels including the top rated Ad Supported streaming app HappyKids. Before joining Future...show more
Featured in: Making it Big on the Big Screen
Frank Dietz joined Super RTL in 2000 and currently manages the channel’s programming supply for daytime and primetime, as well as content for off-air platforms such as merchandising, mobile and online services. Super RTL is Europe’s leader in children’s television and is jointly owned by RTL Group and Walt Disney...show more
Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Frank Dietz, Super RTL; Cocktails with... Super RTL
Ellen Doherty is Chief Creative Officer for Fred Rogers Productions, overseeing the creation of television and digital content for the company’s PBS KIDS series—Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,Peg + Cat, Odd Squad, Donkey Hodie, and Alma’s Way. She is the creator, head writer, and executive producer of the award-winning Through the Woods, a short...show more
Featured in: DEI 2.0: It’s all in the details
Maria Doolan serves as ZAG’s VP, TV Content, reporting to ZAG Founder and CEO, Jeremy Zag, and Julian Zag, EVP, global operations, and head of global consumer products.
Doolan is responsible for ZAG's global strategy of content distribution across all platforms including television, home entertainment, and digital media, for select properties in the ZAG Heroez...show more
Featured in: Direct Engagement: Bringing brands to life one fan at a time
As President of eOne/Hasbro’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, My Little Pony, Power Rangers and Transformers amongst others. His responsibilities include developing properties into global...show more
Featured in: The New Franchise
Leena Lele Dutta helms Sony Pictures Network India’s (SPNI) Kids’ Business . Under her leadership, the linear Kid’s TV Channel - Sony YAY! has grown to become the leader of the kids’ entertainment category in a short span of 6 years. Her vision has also resulted in a transformational journey...show more
Featured in: Coffee with...; Cocktails with... Sony YAY!; 30 Minutes with... Leena Dutta, Sony YAY!
In 2014, Patrick Egerton co-founded Cheeky Little with David Webster to specialize in the development and production of animated content for kids and family.
He has since co-developed and produced globally successful animated shows for ABC, BBC, Netflix and Disney including Kazoops, Bottersnikes & Gumbles and the recent hit series Kangaroo Beach which is going...show more
Featured in: Pitch Prep 2
A former professional sportswoman, Amanda is passionate about the outdoors and, in particular, the ocean. As an open water swimmer, Amanda has explored seas all over the world from the English Channel and the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean and the Bosporus Strait.
Obki the eco-alien is a true passion project which...show more
Featured in: Tough Talk: Kids content fills the gap on heavy conversations
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: Lunch & Learn: Kids TV Fundamentals
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...show more
Featured in: Pitch Prep 1
Elizabeth Foster leads editorial planning and development for Licensing International, along with media relations and social media strategy. Based in Toronto, she has more than a decade of experience in journalism, starting her career in newspapers before making the move to magazines. Previously working at Thomson Reuters, she most recently...show more
Featured in: Brainpick
Amy Friedman is Head of Kids & Family Programming, Warner Bros. She is responsible for the creative and strategic guidance on kids and family programming for Cartoon Network and Cartoonito, as well as the development and production of kids and family content for HBO Max.
As part of her role, Friedman...show more
Featured in: Pitch Prep 1
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 radio show) during college, my entire career has been dedicated to building brands and businesses across all media that truly excite, entertain and inspire kids...show more
Featured in: Direct Engagement: Bringing brands to life one fan at a time
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, Moley, Clangers, Wolf, Critters TV, Talking Tom & Friends, Mechamato and Kitty is...show more
Featured in: Speed Pitching 2; Speed Pitching 4
I have two decades in global licensing and merchandising. Building studios from nothing to over $1bn in retail sales. I ran Universal Studios EMEA operations and was a seed investor/ adviser in Calm.com, SuperAwesome (exit to EPIC), Kids Know Best and various other tech companies.
In 2020 I founded Toikido. We...show more
Featured in: Going Game-First
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: Pitch Prep 2; Lunch & Learn: Kids TV Fundamentals
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
Featured in: Speed Pitching 1; Cocktails with... PBS KIDS
Lauren leads the Kids & Family Content team at YouTube. Her Partnerships team works with top YouTube channels in the kids & family space across both traditional media and endemic creators, with a focus on creating enriching and engaging content that kids love - spanning categories from early learning, to family vlogs, to hobbies and DIY,...show more
Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Lauren Glaubach, YouTube; Pandemic Aftershocks: A kids mental health check-up with Sesame Workshop; Coffee with...
Richard Goldsmith
President, Global Distribution & Consumer Products
Atomic Cartoons &Thunderbird Entertainment
Richard is the President of Global Distribution and Consumer Products for Atomic Cartoons/Thunderbird Entertainment. He oversees distribution to worldwide media platforms and related consumer products and experiences for the company's productions, including kids and family series from Atomic Cartoons and third-party series represented by Thunderbird Distribution. Previously, he founded and...show more
Featured in: The Kingdom of Fandom
Well-known and respected throughout the education, research, and entertainment communities, Cheryl Gotthelf is an accomplished curriculum and content developer, brand builder, qualitative researcher, 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...show more
Featured in: Lunch & Learn: Kids TV Fundamentals
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: Lunch & Learn: Consumer Products
Andrea is a key member of the development team and responsible for the execution of Sphere Media’s premium/specialist factual, lifestyle and kids slate for the global marketplace. Her progressive leadership style and fierce commitment to story have earned her a unique place as a manager who creates and produces in...show more
Featured in: DEI 2.0: It’s all in the details
Meredith Halpern-Ranzer is an Emmy-nominated children’s media executive and Co-founder / Chief Executive Tinkerer at Tinkercast, independent children’s media company behind the leading kids & family podcasts Wow in the World, Flip & Mozi’s Guide to How to be an...show more
Featured in: Direct Engagement: Bringing brands to life one fan at a time
Allana Harkin is an Emmy Award winning director, writer and on air talent who is most well known for her work as an Executive Producer on TBS’s Full Frontal with Samantha Bee. During her 6 years on the show, Allana starred with and directed stars like Sigourney Weaver, Allison Janney,...show more
Featured in: KEYNOTE - Let’s Get Silly: Samantha Bee x Allana Harkin
Veronica Hart is Executive Vice President, Global Franchise Planning and CP Marketing at Paramount Global Consumer Products & Experiences.
In this role, Hart leads CP strategic planning, brand positioning, retail & CP marketing, and trade executions across key markets for Paramount Global’s portfolio, which features some of the world’s biggest IP...show more
Featured in: The New Franchise
An experienced producer with a background in feature animation and video game production at DreamWorks Animation (The Prince of Egypt and Shrek) and Electronic Arts, Kat Kelly Hayduk and her partner, Cam Hayduk, founded Turtlebox Productions in 2009, originally to produce web videos for nonprofits. In 2012, they decided to flex their creative...show more
Featured in: Who’s the Boss: Powering up kid-led content
Albie Hecht, Chief Content Officer of pocket.watch, is an Academy Award and Emmy Award-winning producer who has created hit TV shows that have become household names. As president of Nickelodeon Entertainment, he oversaw the development and production of “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Dora the Explorer,” “Blue’s Clues,” “All That” and co-created and...show more
Featured in: Who’s the Boss: Powering up kid-led content
In her current role, Claire Heinrich is in charge of selecting, negotiating and overseeing acquisitions and pre-buys for France Televisions’ linear channels and digital platforms. She participates in defining the editorial policy for Children’s content and steering of the department’s activities.
Claire has been working for the public broadcaster for over...show more
Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Claire Heinrich, France Télévisions
Patricia Hidalgo is Director of Children’s & Education at the BBC. She is responsible for developing and implementing creative and editorial strategies for BBC Children’s and BBC Education services across all platforms including BBC’s iPlayer, CBeebies and CBBC, with a focus on the strategic future direction of media consumption and...show more
Featured in: CLOSING KEYNOTE - In Conversation with BBC Children’s chief Patricia Hidalgo
Nerissa Holder Hall is the Head of Franchise at Invisible Universe, an internet-first animation studio that is building the Pixar of the internet. In her role, Hall will focus on commercializing Invisible Universe’s suite of beloved IP, identifying new opportunities, and expanding the characters to new media formats including publishing,...show more
Featured in: The New Franchise
Hollie Holmes is responsible for PlayMonster's global licensing business, and the development and expansion of PlayMonster's portfolio of brands and content-driven IPs. Most recently, Holmes spearheaded the launch of two core business lines, including Koosh and BriteBrush, and brokered the deal to bring Hasbro's beloved Playskool brands to PlayMonster in...show more
Featured in: Lunch & Learn: Consumer Products
Rob Hudnut is one of the most innovative and successful storytellers in children’s entertainment. His award-winning movies, television series and specials have inspired billions of hours of viewership and over $15 billion in entertainment, toy and consumer product sales. Before starting Wisteria Productions in 2017 to create toy-based and faith-based franchises, Rob...show more
Featured in: The New Franchise
As Executive Producer of Kids TV for TVO, Kirsten is responsible for all commissions and programming of the Kids block and a suite of TVOkids branded digital channels. TVOkids commissions and acquires a wide range of educational kids programming from all over the world and ensures it complements learning pathways for...show more
Featured in: Speed Pitching 1; Coffee with...; 30 Minutes with... Kirsten Hurd, TVOKids
Iris Ichishita is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Toekenz, the first family-focused platform with digital collectibles, blockchain-based gaming, and a child-safe marketplace. Prior to Toekenz, Iris oversaw creative production and digital engagement at Mattel, producing video content for its world-class toy brands, including two Netflix Original Series for...show more
Featured in: Lunch & Learn: Consumer Products
Christina Jang is Manager, Content Acquisitions and Partnerships, Disney Branded Television, and is a key part of a team responsible for identifying, assessing and acquiring series, movies and short-form content — scripted and unscripted, live-action and animation — developed and produced by third-party providers from around the world for Disney+,...show more
Featured in: Speed Pitching 3; Cocktails with... Disney
Featured in: Speed Pitching 1; Cocktails with... Apple TV+
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 curriculum development and 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...show more
Featured in: DEI 2.0: It’s all in the details
Rebecca serves as VP of Education and Director of the Roblox Community Fund at Roblox. Rebecca is responsible for growing Roblox’s education vertical into a self-sustaining ecosystem of outstanding educational content creators, bringing deeper learning curricular materials to educators and students. Roblox Education connects educational organizations with extraordinary Roblox developer...show more
Featured in: What’s Next on Roblox: Hot topics and new opportunities
Christopher Keenan is a highly accomplished creative executive, executive producer and writer who has enjoyed over thirty-five years of success in the animation, kids and family entertainment industries and has worked on production that have won Emmy, NAACP, Peabody, Parents Choice and BAFTA Awards. With thousands of hours of production...show more
Featured in: The Kingdom of Fandom; 30 Minutes with... Christopher Keenan, Mattel Television
Lynn is a Peabody, Webby and Parent’s Choice Award-winning Producer and Development Executive who
is the Senior Creative Director and Multi-Platform Creative Executive at Nickelodeon and Paramount
Global, overseeing the creative development and production of Nick’s audio and video podcasts- ranging
from preschool ages up through Young Adult.
Lynn has created...show more
Featured in: Brainpick
Strategist, analyst, author, speaker, connector — David Kleeman has led the children’s media industry in developing sustainable, child-friendly practices for more than 30 years. He began this work as president of the American Center for Children and Media and is now Senior Vice President of Global Trends for Dubit, a...show more
Featured in: What’s Next on Roblox: Hot topics and new opportunities
Martin Krieger is CEO of Studio 100 Media, an international production and distribution company
within the children’s and family entertainment sector, and its subsidiaries Studio 100 Film and Studio
Isar Animation. He is also Executive Producer of various feature films such as “Mia and me – The Hero
of Centopia”...show more
Featured in: Making it Big on the Big Screen
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
Featured in: Speed Pitching 3; Coffee with...
Cort Lane is a passionate creative exec with extensive experience in animation development, production & storytelling. Cort is VP of Original Content for Fashion Brands at eOne and Executive Producer of the new My Little Pony series for Netflix. With 12 years at Marvel/Disney and 7 years at Mattel he has...show more
Featured in: Speed Pitching 2; The Kingdom of Fandom
Multi-Emmy Award®-winning producer Kane Lee heads content at Baobab Studios and has executive produced all the studio’s groundbreaking works including Baba Yaga (starring Kate Winslet, Daisy Ridley, Jennifer Hudson, Glenn Close), Paper Birds (starring Ed Norton), Bonfire, Crow: The Legend (starring John Legend, Oprah Winfrey), Jack, Asteroids! and Invasion!. He most recently produced Namoo for the studio, from Oscar®-nominated director Erick...show more
Featured in: Brainpick
Marina Lee is the Chief Content Officer of Pinkfong USA, a subsidiary of The Pinkfong Company.
In this role, she oversees the development, production, and growth of the company’s original IP. She also spearheads strategic investments and co-productions, identifying opportunities to leverage Pinkfong’s powerful channels and franchise-building capability to...show more
Featured in: DTC Distribution: Your brand is in your hands
Curtis Lelash is an award-winning TV Producer and Creative Executive with over twenty years of experience serving leading entertainment and media brands. He currently works as an independent producer and consultant on development, production and strategy for television, film and gaming for kids, teens and families. Previously, as the Director...show more
Featured in: Pitch Prep 2
Peter Lerangis’s 175 books have sold nearly 7 million copies and been translated into 35 languages. His nine New York Times Bestsellers include The Seven Wonders fantasy-adventure series, and the multi-author 39 Clues series. Recent novels include the Jules-Verne-inspired Max Tilt series and the time-travel Throwback trilogy. His books often appear as Junior Library Guild and Bank Street selections, and...show more
Featured in: Just Let ‘Em Laugh: Exploring an audience shift away from edutainment
David Levine is a seasoned creative content strategist, building multiple billion dollar kids content franchises, launching and producing series across the globe, and is a recognised DEI leader. Through his company Lightboat Media, David provides advisory and consultant services to companies looking to grow in the global content landscape. David...show more
Featured in: We Say Gay
Dave Levy is the Head of Studio at Pinkfong USA. With more than 20 years of experience in animation and development, Levy has worked for several entertainment corporations such as The Walt Disney Company, Invisible Universe, Viacom International, and more. Levy's unique and fast-paced approach to development was honed during...show more
Featured in: Faster, Better, Cheaper: The future of IP development
Layla Lewis is Senior Vice President of Global Acquisitions and Content Partnerships for Nickelodeon, a part of the global Kids and Family group at Paramount (formerly ViacomCBS). Lewis leads and implements the global strategy for all acquisitions and content partnerships across the entire Nickelodeon portfolio of channels, across all linear...show more
Featured in: Working with Nickelodeon
Nico Lockhart is Director of Production at the award-winning digital media company and premium AVOD network, WildBrain Spark, where he is responsible for overseeing the editorial, production and studio teams behind the company’s digital-first content. Nico has led creative proposals and production of WildBrain Spark’s stand-out animated series for key partners, including emojitown for...show more
Featured in: Faster, Better, Cheaper: The future of IP development
Featured in: Tough Talk: Kids content fills the gap on heavy conversations
Rennata is the creative force behind Lopii Productions. Her passion is creating content and telling stories. She wears many hats as director, showrunner, story editor, writer and casting director. Rennata loves working within the unscripted world (especially with children) as she finds that the best kind of magic happens when...show more
Featured in: Pitch Prep 1
Victoria Lozano is Executive Vice President, Marketing at Crayola LLC where she leads Crayola’s marketing activation and digital strategy. In her role, Victoria oversees all of Crayola’s consumer communications, digital/omni-channel marketing, interactive app portfolio and education marketing. She is also responsible for leading Crayola’s strategic direction and development plans for...show more
Featured in: Lunch & Learn: Consumer Products
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
Featured in: Speed Pitching 1; 30 Minutes with... DeAKids and KidsMe
Marney Malabar is a passionate creator of educational videos and gaming content for children. She aspires to ensure children can connect with authentic stories and see themselves reflected on the screen regardless of whether the content is live-action or animated. While in the role of Director at TVOkids, Marney greenlit local and international co-productions...show more
Featured in: Lunch & Learn: Kids TV Fundamentals; KEYNOTE - Let’s Get Silly: Samantha Bee x Allana Harkin
Sonia Manzano is the creator and an executive producer of Alma’s Way. Born in the South Bronx, Manzano is a first-generation American of Puerto Rican descent who has impacted the lives of millions since the early 1970s as the actress who defined the role of “Maria” on the acclaimed television...show more
Featured in: KEYNOTE - Icons in Conversation: Sonia Manzano x Misty Copeland
Luke Matheny is an Oscar- and Emmy-winning writer and director based in Los Angeles. He is currently overseeing an animated miniseries adaptation of the E.B. White classic Charlotte's Web for Sesame Workshop.
Featured in: Lunch & Learn: Kids TV Fundamentals; The Good Guys: How character traits drive kids entertainment wins
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
Featured in: Retail’s New Reality; Lunch & Learn: Consumer Products
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
Featured in: Coffee with...; 30 Minutes with... Luca Milano, RAI
Kim Miller Olko is a 4-time Emmy Award winner with 20+ years as a transformational media leader and brand storyteller. Since June 2021, Kim is Global CMO of Toys“R”Us and President of the newly established Toys“R”Us Studios. Prior to this position at WHP Global, Kim served as a longtime senior executive at...show more
Featured in: Retail’s New Reality
After a student internship at Bac Films, I joined the international sales department of Millimages in 2009. Animation was more than a career path and soon became a passion. During nearly 7 years I managed international sales and worked on financing shows handling presales and coproductions in Europe and Canada....show more
Featured in: Faster, Better, Cheaper: The future of IP development
Mary-Ellen currently holds the position of Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Managing Editor, Children’s Content. In this role she facilitates and oversees the delivery of a broad slate of award-winning animation, factual, factual entertainment, scripted/unscripted series and online content in collaboration with a wide range of independent film and television content makers both...show more
Featured in: Speed Pitching 2; Coffee with...; 30 Minutes with... Mary-Ellen Mullane, ABC Australia
Sarah Muller re-joined BBC Children’s in 2019 and has recently undertook the role of Head of Commissioning and Acquisitions, 7+. 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 was Head of Children’s...show more
Featured in: Speed Pitching 1; Coffee with...; 30 Minutes 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), Season 2...show more
Featured in: Speed Pitching 4
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 partner channels, a library of over 10,000 On Demand episodes and the forthcoming Sky Kids channel which will launch in 2023 housing brand...show more
Featured in: DTC Distribution: Your brand is in your hands; 30 Minutes with... Lucy Murphy, Sky TV
Darren is responsible for leading negotiations on all acquired and co-produced films and kids programmes across the ITV portfolio (ITV1, ITV2, ITVBe, ITV3, ITV4, ITVX, CITV and littleBe). For CITV & littleBe, Darren has acquired, commissioned and co-produced a range of live-action and animated comedies such as Lloyd of The...show more
Featured in: Speed Pitching 3; Coffee with...; 30 Minutes with... Darren Nartey, ITV
Francesca Newington is the Director of POP Channels at Narrative Entertainment in the UK - overseeing content acquisitions, programming and development strategy across linear OTA channels POP, Tiny Pop & POP Max, the digital AVOD service POP Player and newly launched FAST channel, POP Kids.
Francesca sources and negotiates content acquisition...show more
Featured in: Coffee with...; 30 Minutes with... Francesca Newington, Pop Channels
Eddie Newquist is an award-winning designer, filmmaker and inventor with Retlaw Enterprises. He has a 30 year history in experiential marketing and brand based promotions and attractions. Eddie has led the creation and production of activations and location based experiences for partners such as Pixar, the Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros. Studios,...show more
Featured in: Direct Engagement: Bringing brands to life one fan at a time
Naléka N’Guessan selects kids and preschool content for Okoo, France Télévisions' new linear and non-linear children’s brand, and the children's corner of France.tv.
She started her career managing the content localization part of the acquisitions department of Lagardère‘s young adults and children’s channels, before being in charge of children content acquisitions...show more
Featured in: Speed Pitching 4; Coffee with...
Matt Opatrny is an award-winning playwright, TV writer, performer, and teacher. He wrote eight episodes of DreamWorks Animation’s preschool series “Not Quite Narwhal” soon to premiere on Netflix, and several episodes of Moonbug Entertainment’s “CoComelon Story Time” podcast series out on Spotify. He is currently writing on an unannounced series for...show more
Featured in: Lunch & Learn: Kids TV Fundamentals
Laura Ordoñez is Head of Podcast and YouTube Ratings and Reviews for Common Sense Media. In 2022, Laura spearheaded the development and launch of the first of its kind comprehensive podcast ratings and reviews channel, grounded in child-development principles and research. She then expanded her role at the nonprofit, leading...show more
Featured in: Listen Up! What’s new and what's next in kids podcasting
Lindsay Patterson is a recognized leader in the kids' podcasting industry. She is the CEO of Tumble Media, an educational children’s audio company that has been a pioneer in the kids’ podcast space since 2015, producing the award-winning Tumble Science Podcast for Kids. Lindsay is also a co-founder of Kids...show more
Featured in: Listen Up! What’s new and what's next in kids podcasting
JP (Fay)John Paul (JP) Kane is an engaging and passionate educator, actor, and performer based in Toronto. He has been an educator with the TDSB since 1997, working with a variety of age groups, abilities, and roles. He is currently in his 7th year as a Kindergarten Teacher and has been at his current...show more
Maria Perez-Brown is an Emmy Award winning writer, producer and executive, currently serving as Head of Kids & Family for TIME Studios. Previously, Perez Brown was Head of Programming for NuvoTV and is the founder of Brown Kids Media. Perez-Brown has developed content for leading television brands, including Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Disney,...show more
Featured in: Speed Pitching 2; Speed Pitching 4; KEYNOTE - Icons in Conversation: Sonia Manzano x Misty Copeland
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 kids aged...show more
Featured in: Speed Pitching 1; Coffee with...; Cocktails with... 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
Featured in: Coffee with...; Cocktails with... Apple TV+
Adina Pitt
VP, Content Acquisitions, Partnerships &
Co-Productions for the Americas,
Kids & Family
Warner Bros. Discovery
A career Entertainment Specialist, Stuart began his career at Viacom working in marketing at Canada’s number one theatre chain: Famous Players. There, he worked with every entertainment and packaged goods companies developing marketing programs. After Viacom, Stuart was recruited by Microsoft to lead strategic partnerships for the launch of Xbox.
In...show more
Featured in: Lunch & Learn: Consumer Products
Gary began his career as a school teacher and led an English Department before becoming a learning designer for a change management consultancy. A strange internal comms project for Disney led Gary back to children and to launch Kids Industries with his wife and business partner, Jennifer.
KI solves problems, develops...show more
Featured in: Life in the Living Room: A global look at family viewing trends
As Senior 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...show more
Featured in: The Kingdom of Fandom
Yonatan Raz-Fridman is founder and CEO of Supersocial, a metaverse company that develops, publishes and operates cutting-edge virtual worlds on Roblox and other emerging platforms. Its business platform - which includes a development studio, publishing, software services, enables world-class brands and IP owners to enter the metaverse with bold creativity, calculated...show more
Featured in: Roadmap to Roblox
Maura Regan joined Licensing International in December 2016 and assumed the role of President in July 2018, bringing with her more than 20 years of experience in the global brand licensing and media industries. Licensing International is the premier association for the global brand licensing industry, and Maura is responsible for leading...show more
Featured in: Retail’s New Reality
Meet Dan Rhodes, the awe-inspiring 19-year-old close-up magician and social media super-influencer from Manchester, UK, who shot to fame when he sawed actress Amanda Holden in half during his 'Britain's Got Talent' appearance in 2019. In under 2 years, Dan grew his audiences on TikTok and YouTube to a staggering...show more
Featured in: Who’s the Boss: Powering up kid-led content
Brian K. Roberts is a director and producer of award-winning animated series featuring fantastical creatures from dragons to unicorns to talking, singing vegetables. In his role as Co-Executive Producer at Dreamworks Animation he has helped bring to life the Netflix series Dragons: Rescue Riders, VeggieTales in the House, and the upcoming explosion...show more
Featured in: DEI 2.0: It’s all in the details
Kaleb Robertson (he/him) is a Toronto based Cultural Producer who does workshops for youth and adults on identity, body positivity, queerness, trans issues, drag, and creating diverse inclusive spaces. His multimedia workshops include sharing personal experiences and spark discussions around intersectionality and privilege. He speaks to groups of all ages...show more
Featured in: Content x Confidence: Building up the next generation
With extensive credits in animation and live-action programming, Eric Rollman is currently an independent producer and consultant. Having decades of executive experience at Marvel, Saban and Fox Family, Eric is influential to world-class brands in helping them connect to audiences through the creation of content designed to engage, connect,...show more
Featured in: Brainpick
Doug Rosen is Senior Vice President, Games & Emerging Media at Paramount. In this role he oversees Paramount’s global games business and is responsible for the commercialization of emerging technologies including AR, VR, web3 and the metaverse. This includes business development, creative development and production of games and experiences on all...show more
Featured in: Roadmap to Roblox
Janice Ross is the founder and Managing Partner of Brand Fresh Management and serves as president of Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT). Named Game Changer in 2017 by License Global Magazine, she is a multi-disciplined licensing and branding executive. With over 25 years of global experience in the...show more
Featured in: Lunch & Learn: Consumer Products
Zia Sands
Lead Acquisitions, Partnerships & Co-Productions, Kids & Family EMEA
Warner Bros. Discovery EMEA
Zia Sands is Lead Acquisitions, Partnerships & Coproductions Warner Bros Discovery Kids & Family EMEA, working across Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Boing, Cartoonito, Toonami, Toonix and HBO Max Kids & Family.
In this role, Zia oversees and negotiates shared acquisitions for the EMEA kids’ business, working closely with the local heads...show more
Featured in: Speed Pitching 1
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 spend...show more
Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Adriano Schmid, PBS KIDS; Cocktails with... PBS KIDS
Vicky Schroderus joined YLE, Finnish Broadcasting Company in 1997 and is currently working as Executive in Charge of International Co-Productions and Acquisitions at YLE Children’s Programs. In this role, Vicky selects and negotiates all the acquisitions and pre-buys for 0-12 old kids as well as co-produces internationally live action content...show more
Featured in: Speed Pitching 3
Linda is the executive producer and co-creator of over 500 episodes of the internationally recognized, multi-award winning Degrassi television franchise. Dedicated to the art of storytelling, Linda is best known for work that explores the human experience, breaks stereotypes, and encourages communications.
Over the past 40 years, the Degrassi series has garnered numerous awards and...show more
Featured in: We Say Gay
Josh Selig is the Founder and President of China Bridge Content, a company committed to building strong creative and business ties between China and the world. He is the former CEO of Little Airplane Productions, a company he founded in 1999 that was acquired by Studio 100 in 2017. Josh...show more
Featured in: Pitch Prep 2; Lunch & Learn: Kids TV Fundamentals
Since joining in 2019, Morgan has worked to build and grow Headspace Studios, the multi-platform production studio within Headspace. The team brings in talented creators in collaboration with mindfulness and scientific experts to create powerful content that allows people to live healthier and happier lives. Previously VP of Content, Morgan was instrumental in launching...show more
Featured in: Pandemic Aftershocks: A kids mental health check-up with Sesame Workshop
Martha joined CAKE in 2022 and leads the creative development on a number of shows on the CAKE slate, with creators from around the world and in particular those from North and South America.
Martha has over 15 years of international experience in kids’ media development and production, working with award-winning companies...show more
Featured in: Brainpick
Monica Sharma is a versatile entertainment executive with a track record of driving results within the kids and family ecosystem. She has a passion for delivering solutions that combine strategic insights, people, and processes to solve business challenges. Monica currently works at Amazon Kids+, Amazon’s digital media subscription service for...show more
Featured in: Cocktails with... Amazon Kids+
Anna is the executive producer and the content distribution director at Zeptolab, a global gaming company. After the success of Cut the Rope game series, which has almost 2 BLN downloads, the company released C.A.T.S., King of Thieves and Bullet Echo. Massive multiplayer mobile titles with more than 500 MLN combined downloads so far.
The company also
...show moreFeatured in: Going Game-First
After 10 years in traditional publishing, Yvette has been with Moose Toys for over six years and during that time has held a number of roles, from Licensing to, currently, Global Head of Franchise Development. Her biggest focus is on bringing the most innovative and award-winning toy brands from Moose to...show more
Featured in: The Future of Toys
Nadine Smith is the Executive Director of Equality Florida, the state's largest organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In 2022, she was named to the Time100, TIME's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world
An award-winning journalist turned organizer,...show more
Featured in: We Say Gay
Penny is a consumer marketer, helping brands navigate category & market transformations. With a background across sectors for tier one brands, Penny has taken a number of creative and commercial propositions to market both leading in-house teams and in creative ad agencies, with a focus on the ever-evolving...show more
Featured in: DTC Distribution: Your brand is in your hands
Recognized for her achievement in developing high concept, character driven, globally saleable, franchise oriented entertainment, Fonda Snyder has written, developed and sold more than 50 projects for networks, steamers and major feature film studios.
With animated features at Netflix, Dreamworks, Warner Bros, and Sony and tv series at Disney,...show more
Featured in: Pitch Prep 1
Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Tara Sorensen, Apple TV+; Cocktails with... Apple TV+
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 Canal+Kids (4-12 yo), teleTOON+ (6-10 yo), Piwi+ (3-6 yo) and their SVOD corners for the platform published by CANAL+ Group
Between 1999...show more
Featured in: Speed Pitching 1; Speed Pitching 3
Melanie is Founder MD of Kindle Entertainment, an award-winning drama production company, that focuses on female-led, premium 4-quadrant drama. Recent credits range from high-end franchise Ivy & Bean for Netflix Movies (2022), to global smash-hit The A List (BBC iPlayer, Netflix) (2021), and ground-breaking,...show more
Featured in: Making it Big on the Big Screen
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.
Featured in: Content x Confidence: Building up the next generation
Featured in: The Good Guys: How character traits drive kids entertainment wins
Heather Tilert is Director of Preschool Content at Netflix where she and her team are responsible for development and production of the programming slate for Netflix’s youngest viewers. Heather started her ~20 year career in kids’ tv on The Wonder Pets!, and has worked as a producer, writer, and creator...show more
Featured in: Coffee with...; Working with Netflix; Cocktails with... Netflix
Sanden Totten is the Senior Editor for kids podcasts at American Public Media. He helped create several hit podcasts, like Brains On, Smash Boom Best and Forever Ago. He's co-authored several books for kids and was nominated for an Emmy for his work on Netflix's Bill Nye Saves the World....show more
Featured in: Listen Up! What’s new and what's next in kids podcasting
Ingrid Tous Tovar is a Manager of Development at Disney Junior, focusing on series development of original animated properties for kids 2-5.
Prior to joining Disney Junior, Ingrid was a Creative Executive at Moonbug Entertainment, working on properties such as CoCoMelon and Blippi, and played an integral role in...show more
Featured in: Coffee with...; 30 Minutes with... Rick Clodfelter (Disney Branded Television) & Ingrid Tous Tovar (Disney Junior); Cocktails with... Disney
Rosemarie T. Truglio, Ph.D. is the Senior Vice President of Curriculum and Content at Sesame Workshop. Dr. Truglio is responsible for the development of the interdisciplinary curriculum on which Sesame Street is based and oversees content development across platforms (e.g., television, publishing, toys, home video, and theme park activities). She...show more
Featured in: Pandemic Aftershocks: A kids mental health check-up with Sesame Workshop
Jennifer Twiner McCarron is an award-winning producer, who was named CEO of Atomic Cartoons in 2016 and CEO of Thunderbird Entertainment in 2018. Under her leadership, Atomic has grown from 25 artists to currently more than 1,200 with studios in Vancouver, Ottawa and Los Angeles. She has led production on multiple...show more
Featured in: Coffee with...
Caroline Tyre, Vice President Global Sales & Rights Strategy at WildBrain, is responsible for leading the implementation of commercial content strategy and spearheading content distribution for WildBrain. Ms. Tyre leads the global sales team, handles all tactical relationships with all major platforms, broadcasters and content partnerships, and develops tailored content action...show more
Featured in: Coffee with...; Cocktails with... WildBrain
Featured in: The Good Guys: How character traits drive kids entertainment wins
Jennifer Vaux oversees content strategy, acquisition, programming and scheduling 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...show more
Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Jennifer Vaux, Roku
For 20 years now Kerstin has been working at Super RTL and still finds it anything but boring. As head of the commissioning & development department, she and her team search for the greatest fictional series for children between 3 and 13.
In this role, Kerstin is also responsible for the...show more
Featured in: Speed Pitching 3; Speed Pitching 4; Cocktails with... Super RTL
As Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney, Duncan and his team helped Imagineering, Lucas Film, Marvel, Pixar, and Disney Parks to innovate, creating magical new storylines and experiences for consumers around the globe.He now brings his extensive Disney experience to audiences around the world using a unique approach to...show more
Featured in: KEYNOTE - Supercharge Your Creativity
Sebastian Wehner is the founder and CEO of Wonderz, a software company that enables creative companies to distribute multimedia content directly to consumers. Wonderz is trusted by industry leaders such as Warner Bros. Discovery and Carlsen Publishing (a subsidiary of Bonnier Media).
Wehner is also the co-founder and CEO of Wolkenlenker,...show more
Featured in: DTC Distribution: Your brand is in your hands
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
Featured in: Lunch & Learn: Consumer Products
Dr. Lisa Williams is an academic trailblazer. She is the first African American to receive a doctorate in Supply Chain Management from The Ohio State University, the first female professor to receive a multi-million dollar endowed chair and the first African American professor to earn tenure at Penn State University....show more
Featured in: The Future of Toys
Katie Wilson, Vice President, Channels and Global Acquisitions, WildBrain, oversees original programming and content acquisition across WildBrain’s portfolio of Canadian broadcast channels—Family Channel, WildBrainTV, Family Jr., Télémagino—and their multiplatform/VOD extensions. Working closely with WildBrain’s global content, distribution and marketing teams,
Wilson spearheads third-party rights acquisitions and partnerships across all platforms. Wilson also provides...show more
Featured in: 30 Minutes with... Katie Wilson, WildBrain; Cocktails with... WildBrain
Marion Winter joined SUPER RTL in April 2011 as Senior Manager of Acquisitions and Co-Productions. In her role, she is responsible for the acquisition of films and series for TV and VOD as well as audio content for SUPER RTL's Toggo Radio channel. Previously, she held numerous positions within the...show more
Featured in: Coffee with...
Lorna Withrington, Vice President, Development–Animation, is a recognized leader in the creative development and acquisition of kids’ and family properties with franchise appeal for the global market. As a key member of WildBrain’s Content team, she helps drive the strategic vision behind the company’s diverse, multi-genre slate of original animation,...show more
Featured in: Speed Pitching 2; Cocktails with... WildBrain
Jes Wolfe is the CEO and Chairwoman of Rebel Girls, a certified B Corporation and global multi-platform empowerment brand dedicated to helping raise the most inspired and confident generation of girls through content, experiences, products, and community. The brand's reach includes a growing community of 23 million self-identified Rebel Girls...show more
Featured in: Content x Confidence: Building up the next generation
Adam has accrued over 30 years media and marketing experience, 10 years of which was spent in senior operational roles.
Initially spending time in audience research for London Weekend Television, he then moved into creating content for broadcasters firstly working in the US and subsequently in the UK. In 2001 he...show more
Featured in: Roadmap to Roblox
asen Wright, VP North America for WildBrain CPLG, has developed consumer product and licensing programmes for some of the world’s leading brands across food & beverage, home improvement, automotive, art, sports, lifestyle and entertainment. Wright leads a team responsible for growing WildBrain CPLG’s North American portfolio of entertainment and lifestyle...show more
Featured in: Lunch & Learn: Consumer Products
Andy Yeatman is Managing Director, Americas at Moonbug Entertainment, a global entertainment company that develops and distributes fun and enriching content for children. Andy is responsible for North and South America operations as well as content partnerships and distribution for the fastest growing kids entertainment company in the world. Andy is...show more
Featured in: DTC Distribution: Your brand is in your hands
Cyma Zarghami is the Founder and CEO of MIMO Studios, a female-owned and operated media company that specializes in kids and family content spanning live-action, animation and preschool, that she launched earlier this year.
Zarghami is a 33-year veteran of Viacom’s largest and most profitable division, Nickelodeon—the premier kids’ entertainment brand that consists...show more
Featured in: Faster, Better, Cheaper: The future of IP development
Award-winning screenwriter Ursula Ziegler-Sullivan has been writing for Paw Patrol since its debut, indeed her script was the very first episode to air. She was upped to Story Editor in Season 3 and promoted to executive producer in season 5 and currently is helming Season 10 of this juggernaut. Ursula...show more
Featured in: The Future of Toys
Pablo Zuccarino is Senior Vice President and General Manager for Kids & Family at
Warner Bros Discovery, Latin America. He leads all aspects of WBD’s kids’ brands in the
region, including Cartoon Network, Discovery Kids, Cartoonito and Tooncast. Zuccarino
also oversees content production, programming, digital strategy, marketing, business and
operations,...show more
Featured in: Coffee with...; Cocktails with... Warner Bros. Discovery
