the program - L`Alliance Médias Jeunesse

Sponsors
The Children, Youth & Media Conference is made possible through the
generous support of the following sponsors:
PRESTIGE
EXCELLENCE
Special Thanks
Youth Media Alliance would like to warmly thank its 2011
Children, Youth & Media advisory committee:
Matt Hornburg, marblemedia
J.J. Johnson, Sinking Ship Entertainment
John Leitch and Michelle Melanson Cuperus, Radical Sheep Productions
Jamie Piekarz, Corus Television, Corus Entertainment
Many thanks to all our volunteers.
Table of Contents
About us
2
Word from YMA’s Chair
3
Word from YMA’s Executive Director
4
Schedule and Venue
5
Panels
6
Exclusive Lunch with a Broadcaster
9
Workshop with Maya Goetz
10
Speaker’s Bios
11
About us
YMA Board — Executive Committee
Chair
Peter Moss
Independent Producer
Vice-Chair
Michèle Fortin
Chief Executive, Télé-Québec
Secretary
Michèle Paris
Senior Manager, Children’s Programming
Knowledge Network and BBC Kids
Treasurer
Vince Commisso
President and CEO
9 Story Entertainment
YMA Board — Directors
Guillaume Aniorté
Cofounder and Co-CEO
Tribal Nova
Madeleine Lévesque
Development
Sardine Productions
Carole Bonneau
Vice-President, Programming
TELETOON Canada
Ira Levy
Executive Producer & Partner
Breakthrough Entertainment
Michael Goldsmith
Director, Original Programming
Astral Television Networks
Alexandra Raffé
Head of Production
Thunderbird Films
Jocelyn Hamilton
Vice-President, Original Programming Kids, Comedy, Drama
Corus Television, Corus Entertainment
Clive Vanderburgh
Professor Emeritus
J.J. Johnson
Partner
Sinking Ship Entertainment
Kim Wilson
Creative Head Children’s & Youth Programming
CBC Television
YMA Office Team
Chantal Bowen
Executive Director
Lyne Côté
Special Events and Communications Coordinator
Youth Media Alliance (YMA) seeks to enrich the lives of Canadian children and teens by helping improve the quality of the content
created for them on all screen-based media. YMA pursues its mission of encouraging high-quality content by presenting annual
awards of excellence to the best productions targeting young Canadians. It offers ongoing training tailored to the special needs
of youth production professionals through workshops, seminars, and special events such as the Children, Youth & Media and
Média-Jeunes conferences. It also conducts original research investigating the impact of screen-based media on young people.
Finally, YMA lobbies governments to generate interest in all matters concerning screen-based content for young Canadians.
2
Word from YMA’s Chair
Once again on behalf of the Board of Directors, I’d like to welcome you to the 2011 Children, Youth &
Media Conference.
Since our last conference in 2009, the climate for the Canadian television industry has continued to
be demanding, particularly for programs directed toward young audiences. Changes in ownership, rule
changes at the CRTC and the pervasive financial uncertainty make the climate extremely challenging.
During this period, Youth Media Alliance has been vocal in its support of the kids’ sector, making
representations to the CRTC on its behalf on several occasions. All of this activity can only be undertaken
with the strength of collective insights and with the help and support of our membership. In challenging
times, there is strength in associations.
Our overall themes for this year’s conference are “humour” and “trans-media production” – both issues
that should help us navigate through these perilous times.
I hope you’re energized and motivated by the conference sessions, that you find inspiration and
companionship with your confrérie, and if you aren’t currently a member of Youth Media Alliance, I
urge you to join.
Peter Moss
3
Word from YMA’s Executive Director
Welcome to the 2011 Children, Youth & Media Conference!
YMA is proud and excited to be presenting outstanding guest speakers and to have added 2 extra days
to this year’s program. This unique event in Toronto showcases creative executives from the local and
international scene. With our lineup of talented experts, we’re assembled here these next few days to
reaffirm our dedication to creating high-quality educational entertainment for children and youth.
To begin the Day 1 program, we’re ecstatic to welcome Hedda Sharapan, Director of Early Childhood
Initiatives at The Fred Rogers Company, and Angela Santomero, Cofounder of Out of the Blue and
Executive Producer of the new preschool animated series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, as keynote
speakers.
This year’s themes blend traditional and digital TV content; but after 37 years, YMA’s focus is still on
how best to serve Canadian youth. In today’s ever-changing world, these panels will provide insights
and responses to shifts in the media landscape brought about by the Internet and other technological
advances.
The session on Day 2 and 3 will be led by German expert Maya Goetz, PhD, head of the Prix Jeunesse
Foundation in Munich, with an eye to tackling one of our greatest challenges: relating to our young
audiences. To help us in this endeavour, she created an extensive workshop entitled “How to make a TV
hero(ine) the favourite TV character of a kid.”
YMA is privileged to provide a sneak preview of the second phase of a research project on Canadian youth
and children. Led by André H. Caron, EdD, and a team of researchers from the Université de Montréal
Communications Department’s Centre for Youth and Media Studies (CYMS/GRJM), this Canada-wide
study offers observations on how children and their parents embrace media content.
We anticipate an exciting few days, and I’ll remind you that YMA’s website features our calendar of
events for you to consult throughout the year.
But for now, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Directors, the conference advisory
committee and CBC/Radio-Canada for their unfaltering support, and above all, our sponsors for their
incredibly generous financial contributions in helping us make this event a huge success.
I hope you enjoy the conference!
Chantal Bowen
4
Schedule and Venue
General conference
Day 1 — Thursday, November 17
8–8:30 a.m.
8:30–8:45 a.m.
8:45–9:30 a.m.
9:30–9:40 a.m.
9:40–11:10 a.m.
11:10–11:20 a.m.
11:20 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
12:15–1:15 p.m.
1:15–1:45 p.m.
1:55–3:25 p.m.
3:25–3:35 p.m.
3:35-4:50 p.m.
4:50–5:20 p.m.
5:20 p.m.
Registration, Coffee and Croissants
Welcome remarks by YMA’s Chair and Executive Director
Opening keynote: Hedda Sharapan (The Fred Rogers Company)
and Angela Santomero (Out of the Blue)
Coffee Break
Bring on the Funny! (Insert Fart Joke Here)
Coffee Break
Rich and Substantial: That is the Question!
General Lunch and Exclusive Lunch With a Broadcaster
YMA’s Annual General Meeting
iPads and Tablets: The New El Dorado?
Coffee Break
Case Study: Three Canadian Web Series Success Stories
Is Today’s Television Still Relevant in the Family Environment?
CYM Closing Cocktail Reception
St. Andrew’s Club &
Conference Centre
150 King Street West
27th Floor
Toronto, ON M5H 1J9
Maya Goetz’s workshop
How to make a TV hero(ine) the favourite TV character of a kid
Day 2 — Friday, November 18
8:30–9 a.m.
9 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
12:15–1 p.m.
1–5 p.m.
Registration, Coffee & Croissants
Blocks 1 and 2
Lunch
Blocks 3, 4 and 5
Day 3 — Saturday, November 19
8:30–8:45 a.m.
8:45 a.m.–12 p.m.
12–12:30 p.m.
12:30–4 p.m.
Registration, Coffee & Croissants
Blocks 1 and 2
Lunch
Blocks 3, 4 and 5
CBC’s Canadian
Broadcasting Centre
25 John Street
Room 3C304
Toronto, ON M5V 3G5
TVO
2180 Yonge Street
4th Floor
Toronto, ON M4S 2B9
5
Panels
Opening Keynote
Hedda Sharapan, Director of Early Childhood Initiatives, The Fred Rogers Company
Angela Santomero, Cofounder of Out of the Blue and Executive Producer of the new preschool
animated series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
Hedda Sharapan will be presenting the past, present and future of The Fred Rogers Company, whose
founder, Fred Rogers, dedicated his life to serving children. She will give an overview of the original
Neighborhood series that revolutionized children’s media – how it was designed, the impact it had,
and how it evolved over time. Angela Santomero, a leading producer of US children’s television
and creator of Blue’s Clues & Super Why!, will talk about the pressure of re-imagining this beloved
Neighborhood series for today’s audiences. She will demonstrate how the original principles have
endured even while the contemporary screen aesthetic has changed. The presentation will include
previously unseen clips of the new four-year-old Daniel Tiger, son of the original Daniel Tiger, and
his preschool friends. The new show, for which 9 Story Entertainment is doing the animation, will
be launched in fall 2012 on CBC and PBS KIDS, together with a content-rich website, including
interactive games for kids as well as online resources for parents and teachers.
Bring on the Funny! (Insert Fart Joke Here)
What’s the key to making a great kids’ comedy series? What’s the difference between making
a four-year-old and a 10-year-old laugh? What are the important ingredients in comedies for
kids? What are the differences and similarities between preschool, sitcom, animated and reality
humour? It’s never too early to laugh – so let’s start the day with a panel of hilarious folks who
create funny shows for kids.
PANELLISTS
• Dan Signer, Creator and Executive Producer – Mr. Young and A.N.T. Farm
• Tom McGillis, President and Cofounder, Fresh TV – My Babysitter’s a Vampire and Really Me!
• Richard Elliott, Screenwriter and Executive Producer – Spliced
• Susan Hart, Voice Director, Casting Director, Session Producer and Voice Instructor
• Matt Kippen, Writer and Show Creator – Splatalot
MODERATOR
• Michelle Melanson Cuperus, VP Production and Development, Radical Sheep Productions
6
PRESENTED BY
9 STORY ENTERTAINMENT
Rich and Substantial, That is the Question!
PRESENTED BY
CANADA MEDIA FUND
A representative from the Canada Media Fund will lead a discussion and Q&A session with
attendees on CMF guidelines, especially on the meaning of “rich and substantial” as it applies to
digital media. She’ll be joined by two digital media experts from the broadcast industry, who will
talk about rich media and the challenges it presents.
PANELLISTS
• Nathalie Clermont, Director of Program Management, Canada Media Fund
• Jennifer Burkitt, Executive in Charge of Interactive Production for Children’s & Youth
Programming, CBC
• Barbara Bailie, Director of Interactive, Astral Television Networks
MODERATOR
• Mary Bredin, Vice-President, Development & Acquisitions, Guru Studio
iPads and Tablets: The New El Dorado?
The iPad is rapidly becoming a must in homes with kids of all ages and is making its way into
classrooms as well. Why are tablets so popular with kids? Will they replace the computer, the TV
and become the primary source for children’s media content or not? What opportunities are there
for content producers to create or extend brands using the unique characteristics of the tablet
experience? How do you create compelling interactive content for a tablet? How big is the market
and can you really make money? Get answers to these questions and many others from a panel of
key players who have produced and marketed some of the bestselling kids’ apps in the world.
PANELLISTS
•
•
•
•
Ben Grimley, Senior Director, PBS Game and App Publishing, PBS Kids
Caitlin O’Donovan, Director of Interactive, Corus Entertainment
Miles Ludwig, Managing Director, Content Innovation Lab, Sesame Workshop
Martha Hadley, PhD, Managing Director, Michael Cohen Group, and Co-PI, Ready to Learn
Evaluation (RTL), funded by the US Dept. of Education, Office of Innovation and Improvement
MODERATOR
• Pierre Le Lann, Cofounder and Co-CEO, Tribal Nova
7
Case Study: Three Canadian Web Series
Success Stories
PRESENTED BY
INDEPENDENT
PRODUCTION FUND
Let’s meet the latest member of the broadcasting family: the web series. What are the biggest
challenges when creating web-exclusive productions? How do you handle content and interactive
support? How do you obtain financing? How do you gauge the success of web series compared to
traditional TV programs? And now . . . what’s the next step?
PANELLISTS
• Anthony Leo, Executive Producer, Aircraft Pictures – What’s Up Warthogs!
• Jason Leaver, Producer/Director/Writer – Out With Dad
• Michel Zgarka, Producer – Gummibar & Friends
MODERATOR
• Matt Hornburg, Executive Producer/Partner, marblemedia
Is Today’s Television Still Relevant in the
Family Environment?
PRESENTED BY
BELL MEDIA
Dr. André H. Caron, communications professor and director of the Centre for Youth and Media
Studies at Université de Montréal, will be giving a sneak preview of issues that have emerged
from preliminary findings in his two-year Canada-wide study examining parents’ and children’s
perceptions of kids’ TV programs. From Newfoundland to the West Coast, he met hundreds of
parents and children in their homes and in focus groups to discuss the state of TV today. The
discussion will be led by Peter Moss, YMA Chair.
CYM Closing Cocktail Reception
Come celebrate with the delegates and the new YMA team.
We would be delighted to meet and hear from you!
8
PRESENTED BY
FRESH TV
Exclusive Lunch With a Broadcaster
Here’s your chance to sit down with a decision-maker for an exclusive lunch! As part of this activity, a group of Canadian and
American broadcasters will present vital information to small groups of seven people per table about their mandate, specifics
and objectives, their broadcast schedules and target audiences, their needs, the kind of projects they’re looking for and the most
effective way to pitch them. Plus, they’ll answer any questions you may have.
Cartoon Network
Rick Clodfelter, Director, Content Acquisitions and Co-Productions
CBC Television
Kim Wilson, Creative Head of Children’s Programming
Family Channel and Disney
Michael Goldsmith, Director, Original Programming, Astral Television Networks
Knowledge Network and BBC Kids
Michèle Paris, Senior Manager, Children’s Programming
PBS
Linda Simensky, Vice-President, Children’s Programming
TELETOON Canada
Carole Bonneau, Vice-President, Programming
Treehouse
Jamie Piekarz, Director of Original Programming, Corus Television, Corus Entertainment
TVO
Patricia Ellingson, Creative Head of Children’s Programming
YTV
Leah Wolfson, Production Executive, Original Programming, Corus Television, Corus Entertainment
9
Workshop with Maya Goetz
How to make a TV hero(ine) the favourite TV character of a kid
Children’s TV serves up more than 1,000 main characters a week. Nevertheless, only very few become “favourite characters” and
really important for the child’s identity work.
Based on reception studies with children and research results from around the world, this workshop provides the unique
opportunity to delve into humanistic psychology and the meaning of TV characters for kids.
Get inspiration for your own work by understanding the meaning and success of formats such as Hannah Montana, SpongeBob
or The Last Airbender, and learn how children interpret high-quality shows like The Little Boy and the Beast. Test your own
knowledge of the target audience by playing “guessing games” where you have to guess how children from 30 countries react
or understand certain scenes.
Introduction
The TV Heroes of Your Own Childhood
– creative part, short analysis
Block 1
Children – Identity – TV Characters
Results of qualitative studies on how children use TV characters in their everyday life and their identity work.
– presentation and questions, guessing game
Block 2
Preschool Children and What Fascinates Them (and Older Kids) in SpongeBob
Results from three different studies.
– presentation and questions, screening, analysis and guessing game
Block 3
Understanding Girls and What Makes Hannah Montana So Successful
Results of a fan study with 6- to 13-year-olds.
– presentation and questions, screening, analysis and guessing game
Block 4
Understanding Boys, From Dragon Ball Z to The Last Airbender
– presentation and questions, discussion and guessing game
Block 5
A Little Boy and a Mother Turning Into a Beast –
Highest Quality Under the Magnifying Glass
– screening, presentation and questions, analysis and guessing game
Conclusion
What Quality Means and How to Produce It
10
Speaker’s Bios
Barbara Bailie
Director of Interactive, Astral Television Networks
Barbara Bailie oversees the strategic direction and production of interactive properties for nine television
networks – Family, Disney Junior, Disney XD, The Movie Network, HBO Canada, Mpix, Viewers Choice, Super
Écran and Cinépop. These networks serve a range of audiences, from children to adults, in the English- and
French-language markets. Under Bailie’s direction, the Astral Television Networks websites enjoy strong
consumer engagement (Family.ca frequently ranks as the #1 kids’ entertainment site in Canada based on
comScore data), with many sites having received prestigious awards across a variety of categories.
Carole Bonneau
Vice-President, Programming, TELETOON Canada
Carole Bonneau oversees program schedules, acquisitions and original production for four nationwide
television networks: TELETOON, TÉLÉTOON, TELETOON Retro and TÉLÉTOON Rétro. Bonneau has worked in
the television industry since 1981 and joined TELETOON in 1996 as Director of Programming. She became
Vice-President of Programming in December 2001. Bonneau has been instrumental in fostering Canadian
talent at TELETOON. Each year, under her leadership, 47% of TELETOON’s annual revenue is allocated to the
acquisition or development of animated series by Canadian producers, such as 6teen, Johnny Test and the
Total Drama franchise.
Mary Bredin
Vice-President, Development and Acquisitions, Guru Studio
Mary is the VP of Guru Studio as well as the co-executive producer of Justin Time – Guru’s first original
series, now in its second season. Guru is busy developing new shows and digital media. The company also
distributes Justin Time, Pop It! and Ben + Hairy worldwide. Prior to Guru, Mary spent 10 years in London
working at Viasat and Disney, where she focused on the international Disney Channels, programming and
acquisitions, as well as the launch of channels in various markets including Japan. Mary has also worked in
Paris at an animation studio and for Canal+. Mary is on the Board of Directors of WIFT-T and is a qualified
lawyer.
Jennifer Burkitt
Executive in Charge of Interactive Production for Children’s and Youth Programming, CBC
At CBC, Jennifer Burkitt provides strategic development and oversees interactive production for the
preschool, school age and parents’ sites. With a strong belief in using research to ensure that programming
is both educational and entertaining, Jennifer has developed test sites for the Interactive team to work
with, including the McMaster University Children’s Centre, and involves her whole team in evaluating the
Kids’ CBC digital work. Jennifer has been developing award-winning children’s digital content for well over
a decade, including content for PBS Kids, The Learning Company and Cinar, and worked at TVO as Manager
of TVOKids.com. Jennifer has a Media Arts degree (Ryerson Polytechnic University) and a Psychology degree
(University of Guelph).
11
Speaker’s Bios
André H. Caron
Professor at and former chair of the Université de Montréal communications department
André H. Caron is a graduate of Université de Montréal (BA), Boston University (MSc in Communication
Research) and Harvard University (EdD in Human Development – Mass Media). He is the Bell Chair in
Interdisciplinary Research on Emerging Technologies, director of its Centre, and founding director of the
Centre for Youth and Media Studies. He has also served as chair of the Réseau Éducation-Médias board
and vice-chair of the NFB. His research interests include the political and cultural appropriations of media,
programming strategies, the influences of new technologies on young people, and immersive, interactive
technologies. His most recent work looks at various forms of mobile technology appropriation.
Nathalie Clermont
Director of Program Management, Canada Media Fund
Nathalie Clermont has worked for more than twenty years in the film and television industry, with extensive
experience in financing. She acts as a key adviser on CMF policies and programs, ensures consistency in
service standards and the application process, and ensures that file analysis is accurate, fair, and consistent,
in accordance with CMF guidelines. Previously, Ms. Clermont was team leader of the Business Affairs Unit
at the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC) for 15 years. Ms. Clermont holds a BA
in film, communications, and public relations from Université de Montréal.
Rick Clodfelter
Director of Content Acquisitions and Co-productions, Cartoon Network and Boomerang
Rick Clodfelter is responsible for acquiring pre-produced series, specials, short-form product and series coproductions that fit the Cartoon Network and Boomerang brands for exposure on all platforms. He represents
the US networks at all major programming markets, including MIPTV, MIPCOM, KidScreen and NATPE.
Previously, Clodfelter was manager of programming and scheduling for the Discovery Kids Channel. In this
position, he developed program scheduling strategies that supported current and long-term programming
plans for the Discovery Kids Channel, Ready Set Learn on TLC and Discovery Kids on NBC. Clodfelter earned
a bachelor’s of science degree in elementary education and a bachelor’s of arts degree in music from Culver
Stockton College, as well as a master’s of arts in teaching from Webster University.
12
Speaker’s Bios
Michelle Melanson Cuperus
VP Production and Development, Radical Sheep Productions
Michelle Melanson Cuperus brings 19 years of experience in children’s and youth programming to the table
at Radical Sheep, including producing World of Quest, Wayside and My Dad the Rock Star. Michelle oversees
development on Radical Sheep’s diverse slate of animation and live-action properties, including the 6-11
animated comedies Bagel’s Lucky Hat and Nossferty, and the 3D preschool show Yub Yubs. She’s also the
supervising producer on the current award-winning hit Stella and Sam. Michelle is currently in production
on pilots for Imagine That – a live-action/animation preschool property for Disney Junior Canada.
Patricia Ellingson
Creative Head, Children’s Media Content and Programming, TVO
Patricia Ellingson has been the Creative Head of Children’s Programming for TVO since 1998. She has a
particular passion for presenting programming that makes a difference in the lives of kids and parents.
She has been instrumental in building the trusted TVOKids educational brand, overseeing multiplatform
productions developed for every kind of young learner and covering virtually all areas of the Ontario
JK-5 curriculum. The TVOKids internally produced series includes Gisele’s Big Backyard, The Space, Reading
Rangers, Super Citizens and Tumbletown Tales. Patricia was responsible for the convergence of TVO children’s
television and new media teams and rebuilding the tvokids.com website, which has become one of the most
popular kids’ online destinations and one that continues to push the envelope on multiple platforms.
Richard Elliott
Screenwriter / Executive Producer
Richard Elliott has worked extensively writing, developing and producing film and television for clients such
as Disney, Warner Brothers, Discovery Channel, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, The Jim Henson Company,
Passion Pictures and Nelvana. Recently, he has written for Cartoon Network’s Teen Titans, story-edited
Nickelodeon’s Mr. Meaty, developed Discovery Channel’s Grossology and Disney’s Get Ed, written on
Teletoon’s and Disney’s My Babysitter’s a Vampire, created and show-run the animated series Spliced for
Teletoon, and written the feature film Scarygirl for Passion Pictures.
13
Speaker’s Bios
Maya Goetz, PhD
Head of the International Central Institute for Youth and Educational Television (IZI) at the Bayerischer
Rundfunk (Bavarian Broadcasting Corp.), Munich, Germany, and of the PRIX JEUNESSE Foundation
Maya Goetz graduated from the Pädagogische Hochschule in Kiel, Germany, with the state examination, as
well as an MA in education. She acquired a PhD at the University of Kassel, Germany, in 1998. The topic of
her thesis was “Girls and Television.” Her main field of work is research in the area of “children/youth and
television” and gender-specific reception research. She has conducted such empirical studies as “What’s
Funny in TV?”, “TV in the Everyday Life of 0.5- to 5-Year-Olds”, “What Makes a TV Character Meaningful
for Kids?”, “Children’s Television Worldwide”, “Boys and Girls and Television,” as well as over 50 formative
studies to foster quality in current TV programs.
Michael Goldsmith
Director, Original Programming, Astral Television Networks
Michael oversees the slate of shows and movies for the network while continuing to develop television
productions to air across all platforms. Since joining Family Channel, Michael has been involved with the
development of such series as Really Me, What’s Up, Warthogs!, Debra!, Wingin’ It and Stella and Sam.
Michael has over 10 years’ experience in the television production industry. Before joining Family Channel,
Michael was Director of Original Content at TELETOON, where he helped develop Total Drama World Tour
and Skatoony, among other series. He has also worked at Corus Entertainment as Director of Broadcast
Sales and Promotion for Nelvana. Additionally at Corus, he was involved in the brand management of
animated series, including 6teen, Wayside and Grossology.
Ben Grimley
Senior Director, PBS Game and App Publishing, PBS Kids
Ben founded and leads the PBS Game and App Publishing team. His current portfolio includes web and
native apps for desktops, tablets and mobile devices in the kids, education and game genres. In 2009, Ben’s
team established the PBS presence on iOS, garnering a Parents’ Choice Gold, among other awards. In 2008,
the team launched PBS KIDS PLAY!, an educational gaming program that has won multiple awards, including
Teachers’ Choice, Parents’ Choice, AEP, iParenting, and honours such as a Wired.com “Site of the Decade.” Ben
has spent the past decade publishing online games. He holds an MBA from Johns Hopkins University.
14
Speaker’s Bios
Martha Hadley, PhD
Managing Director, Michael Cohen Group, and Co-PI, Ready to Learn Evaluation (RTL), funded by the
US Dept. of Education, Office of Innovation and Improvement
For the past five years, Martha Hadley has managed a research team directing numerous formative studies
supporting the development of educational media properties, as well as summative RCT studies to assess the
educational efficacy of these properties. Prior to her work at MCG, Martha worked in management positions
and in research teams at the Center for Children and Technology, and at KRC Research and Consulting.
Martha began her research career at the Lab for Comparative Human Cognition and Rockefeller University.
She received her doctorate in Developmental and Comparative Psychology from the Graduate Center of the
City University of New York, and has completed postdoctoral training at New York University.
Susan Hart
Voice Director, Casting Director, Session Producer and Voice Instructor
Susan Hart began her career as an actress/singer, performing for both the stage and TV/film. She then
went on to become a talent agent, and opened her first acting studio where she taught kids and teens.
This led to her involvement in producing and distributing features, followed by a decade-long career as a
casting director for film and television. Susan has been working in animation for the past 12 years. Many
of the animated productions she directed have been nominated for Emmys and Geminis for best voice
performance and numerous best children’s programming awards. She’s currently working on The Cat in the
Hat, The 99, Play Date, Ella, The Sunburns, Zen and multi-award-winning Stella and Sam.
Matt Hornburg
Partner / Executive Producer, marblemedia
Matt Hornburg’s recent executive producer credits include Splatalot, a hilarious medieval-themed physical
game show geared to the tween audience for YTV (Canada), BBC (UK), and ABC (Australia); and The Dating
Guy, a Gemini Award–winning cross-platform comedy series for adults on TELETOON at Night. Other
credits include This Is Daniel Cook, Taste Buds and Skatoony. Matt is an active member of Interactive
Ontario, Youth Media Alliance and the Academy of Canadian Cinema. He has been recognized as Producer
of the Year by the Canadian New Media Awards and also won the Lions Gate / Maple Pictures Innovative
Producer Award.
15
Speaker’s Bios
Matt Kippen
Writer / Show Creator
Matt’s writing credits include co-creating and co-writing the series House Party for The Comedy Network,
writing on season one of the YTV teen show Splatalot, story-editing on season two of the CBC comedy
InSecurity, writing for CBC’s youth program Spelling Night in Canada, and writing on Discovery Channel’s
Daily Planet Special Jay’s Last Show. Matt is a 2010 winner of the Canwest Global Writers Program. He lives
in a fictitious mansion in Forest Hill.
Jason Leaver
Producer/Director/Writer
Jason Leaver studied film at Ryerson Polytechnic University. By day, he’s a corporate video producer – always
putting a fun/creative spin on things. By night, he’s a filmmaker. Throughout the years, he’s produced a
number of award-winning short films. His video installation project Mobius appeared in Toronto’s 2009
Scotiabank Nuit Blanche. Out With Dad marks Jason’s first foray into web series production – and has been
his most satisfying creative endeavour to date. Since its launch, this labour-of-love project has been viewed
over two million times, and has been nominated and won many awards for writing, directing, acting and
music, including a Webby nomination for Best Drama.
Pierre Le Lann
Co-CEO, Tribal Nova
Pierre le Lann is Co-CEO of Tribal Nova, a company that specializes in developing and operating educational
gaming services and games for kids, online and on touch devices, in partnership with major media such
as PBS, CBC and Bayard. He’s also a cofounder and shareholder of Woozworld Inc., a spinoff from Tribal
Nova that operates a virtual world for tweens. At Tribal Nova, Pierre has produced many games for all ages
from preschoolers to tweens, totalling millions of dollars in production budget and featuring renowned TV
characters. These games have been played by millions of kids around the world and garnered many awards,
the dearest to him being “most awesome game ever” for Spliced, awarded by the Teletoon.com kids online
players. Pierre Le Lann holds a master’s degree in marketing from Texas A&M University.
16
Speaker’s Bios
Anthony Leo
Executive Producer, Aircraft Pictures
Anthony Leo was recently honoured by Playback Magazine as one of their “2011 Ten to Watch” artists. He
co-founded Aircraft Pictures with Andrew Rosen in 2005 to create independent film, television and digital
media productions. Anthony is currently producing several television series, including the second season
of the Gemini Award–winning supernatural comedy Todd & The Book of Pure Evil for Space/Fearnet and
the second season of the tween sitcom What’s Up, Warthogs! for Family Channel. In addition, he recently
wrapped production on two feature films, Hiding and Love Me, shot back-to-back in Calgary, Alberta.
Miles Ludwig
Managing Director, Content Innovation Lab, Sesame Workshop
Miles Ludwig oversees creative production for interactive and digital initiatives. He has led the design and
development of interactive educational experiences and educational software titles for every significant
technology-based platform of the last 15 years, including product lines for Mattel, V-Tech, Hasbro, Electronic
Arts, Jakks Pacific, Scholastic, Nintendo and Sony. Miles heads a team that has been awarded Emmys,
Webbys and a Peabody Award for Sesame Street’s broadband website.
Tom McGillis
President and Cofounder, Fresh TV
A world leader in creating and producing family entertainment, Fresh TV finances, develops and produces
television content that powerfully connects to tween and teen audiences around the world. Along with
creative partner Jennifer Pertsch, McGillis created the world-renowned animated series 6teen, the Total
Drama franchise and Stoked, all of which are seen in the US and around the world. He and Pertsch also
created and developed Fresh TV’s new live-action series My Babysitter’s a Vampire (TELETOON) and Really
Me (Family Channel).
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Speaker’s Bios
Caitlin O’Donovan
Director of Interactive, Corus Entertainment
Caitlin O’Donovan runs Corus Entertainment’s Interactive TV division and WMTV (a Corus Entertainment
company). She leads the strategic direction and operation of mobile and online initiatives for 13 TV networks,
as well as the development and international distribution of Nelvana games, websites, and apps for brands
such as Babar, Franklin, Beyblade and Max & Ruby. Previous to this role, she oversaw Corus’ massively
multiplayer games and kids’ gaming portal. Before joining Corus, Caitlin produced multiplayer games for
science centres and museums around the world with Immersion Studios, supervised new media production
at the CFC Media Lab, oversaw the incubation of new media companies as producer of the Interactive
Project Lab, and led the design of the TELUSInnovation Fund.
Michèle Paris
Senior Manager, Children’s Programming, Knowledge Network and BBC Kids
As head of Children’s Programming, Michèle oversees acquisitions and scheduling for Knowledge Network, a
regional public broadcaster, and BBC Kids, a national digital pay TV service operated by Knowledge Network
as a joint venture with BBC Worldwide. She also works with independent producers on original content and
oversees the development of the branding for Knowledge Kids, one of BBC’s top-rated preschool blocks. She
has worked previously in documentary programming and managing in-house productions. Michèle has a BA
from the University of British Columbia and a journalism degree from Carleton University, Ottawa.
Jamie Piekarz
Director of Original Programming, Corus Television, Corus Entertainment
Jamie Piekarz has played an integral role in creating, developing and producing a variety of programs at
Corus, including Mike the Knight, Babar and the Adventures of Badou, My Friend Rabbit, 4 Square, Ask
Me, Wee 3 and Treehouse interstitials. Some of her production executive credits include Mr. Young, How to
Be Indie, Max and Ruby, The Cat in the Hat Knows About That! and Franklin. As a graduate of the master’s
program in educational technology at Concordia University, Piekarz has a strong knowledge of how to reach
young people effectively. Piekarz sits on the board for the CORPUS dance company and is co-chair of the
Juno Award’s “Best Children’s Album” steering committee.
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Speaker’s Bios
Angela C. Santomero
Founder and Executive Producer, Out of the Blue
Angela Santomero is a founding partner of Out of the Blue Enterprises LLC, and the creator, executive
producer and head writer of the Emmy-nominated and #1 ranked, interactive literacy show, Super Why.
Angela was also the co-creator, executive producer and head writer for Nick Jr.’s landmark preschool show,
Blue’s Clues. Angela’s newest venture, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, is a pro-social, animated series for
preschoolers, based on the legacy of Fred Rogers. Through her Twitter profile (@AngelasClues) and personal
blog (AngelasClues.com), Angela approaches parenting from her unique vantage point as a children’s
media creator. Angela earned an MA in child developmental psychology from Teachers College, Columbia
University, and a BA from Catholic University.
Hedda Sharapan
Director of Early Childhood Initiatives, The Fred Rogers Compagny
Hedda Sharapan recently began her 45th year with Fred Rogers and his company. She is nationally
recognized as an outstanding speaker, helping professionals and families continue to learn from Fred Rogers’
timeless wisdom through treasured videos and stories. Hedda holds an MSc in child development from the
University of Pittsburgh, and since 1966 has worked closely with Fred Rogers on his television program,
books for children and parents, and professional development materials for early childhood educators. Still
on staff of the small non-profit company he founded, she is responsible for communicating about Fred
Rogers’ approach to professionals and families in multiple ways: she writes a monthly e-newsletter for early
childhood professionals and works on a wide variety of web materials, articles and brochures for families
and professionals.
Dan Signer
Creator / Producer / Writer
Dan Signer is the creator and executive producer of the hit YTV series Mr. Young, as well as the upcoming
Disney Channel series, A.N.T. Farm. Previously Signer completed five seasons as a writer/producer on the
worldwide tween hit The Suite Life on Deck (formerly The Suite Life of Zack and Cody). Dan was born and
raised in Toronto, where he attended Forest Hill Collegiate Institute and then graduated from University
College at the University of Toronto. Shortly after graduation, Dan moved to Los Angeles where he has
written and produced television shows for every broadcast network, as well as Showtime, MTV, Nickelodeon
and Disney Channel. His book, Lunch Lines: Silly Riddles for Lunchtime Giggles was recently released by
Chronicle Books. Dan currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two sons.
19
Speaker’s Bios
Linda Simensky
Vice-President, Children’s Programming, PBS
As VP of Children’s Programming for PBS, Linda Simensky collaborates with producers, co-production partners
and distributors throughout development, production and broadcast for existing and new series, including
Curious George, Dinosaur Train, Super Why, The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!, Martha Speaks and
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood for PBS KIDS, and WordGirl, Wild Kratts and The Electric Company for PBS KIDS
GO!. Prior to joining PBS, Simensky was Senior VP of Original Animation for Cartoon Network, where she
oversaw the development and production of series like The Powerpuff Girls, Dexter’s Laboratory, Samurai
Jack and Courage the Cowardly Dog. Simensky began her career at Nickelodeon, where she helped build the
animation department and launch such popular series as Rugrats, Doug and The Ren & Stimpy Show.
Kim Wilson
Creative Head of Children’s Programming, CBC Television
Ms. Wilson has dedicated her life to children’s programming, beginning with a degree in Radio and Television
Arts from Ryerson University in Toronto, coupled with her longstanding passion and commitment to public
broadcasting, including many roles at TVOntario and for the past 10 years, at the CBC. As Creative Head,
she has successfully brought her leadership skills, passion and enthusiasm to Canada’s public broadcaster,
together with her extensive experience in children’s television and her personal love of children. Ms. Wilson
intends to extend CBC’s legacy in children’s programming through continued strength in programming with
integrated outreach and interactive strategies.
Leah Wolfson
Production Executive, Original Programming, Corus Television, Corus Entertainment
As a Production Executive in Original Programming, Leah Wolfson is responsible for overseeing the creative
development and production of the original programming slate for Corus Entertainment’s YTV and Treehouse
networks. Working in partnership with producers, Wolfson has contributed to the success of several popular
and award-winning YTV and Treehouse series, including The Next Star, In Real Life, Splatalot, That’s So
Weird, Sidekick, Scaredy Squirrel and Franklin & Friends. Wolfson is a graduate of the Radio and Television
Arts Program at Ryerson University and joined Corus in 2007. She is a member of Canadian Women in
Communications and Women in Film & Television.
Michel Zgarka
Producer, Gummibar & Friends
Michel Zgarka has been a senior executive in numerous sound, film and television production and distribution
companies over the past 30 years. He’s a graduate of McGill University (education degree) and Sir George
Williams University (BA), and has done postgraduate studies in international communications in France. He
has produced, directed and distributed numerous film and television productions. In 2009, he was co-chair
of the jury for the Rocky Awards at the Banff TV Festival. He also recently created a full program for a
Quebec-based career college about technical and creative jobs in production. Michel Zgarka’s latest project
is executive-producing the follow-up Christmas special and TV series of the 1.4-billion-view YouTube hit
property Gummibar & Friends.
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Upcoming Event
The 2012 French-Language
Awards of Excellence Gala
May 31, 2012
Youth Media Alliance
1400 René-Lévesque Blvd East, Suite 106, Montreal, QC H2L 2M2 | 514-597-6809 | www.ymamj.org