SpringBoard Industry Event:

Georgia Shearman | Director, Scripted Development. Lionsgate Canada

As Director, Scripted Development at Lionsgate Canada, Georgia Shearman sources and develops original scripted television series and is also involved in current programming. Georgia previously served as a development executive for Bell Media’s Original Programming department. There, she worked with industry writers and partners on the development of new scripted projects for Bell Media’s Original Programming slate. Prior to joining Bell Media, Shearman was the lead development and production executive for the award-winning production company, Circle Blue Entertainment.

Samantha De France | Senior Production Executive | Amazon MGM Studios

Samantha De France is an accomplished production executive working in Canada and the UK. Currently, she serves as senior production executive at Prime Video and Amazon Studios, based in Toronto. In this role, De France is a key player in the unscripted production department, overseeing the successful production and delivery of a variety of content. Previously, De France served as COO at Our House Media, overseeing shows such as Stylish with Jenna Lyons (HBO Max), Unexpected Killer (Oxygen/NBC) and Building Off The Grid (Discovery). Prior to this De France served as director of programming & development at Cineflix Productions.    

Kim Ball | Chief Content & Communications Officer SuperChanne

Kim joined Super Channel in 2012 and currently serves as the company’s Chief Content & Communications Officer. In this role, Kim leads the programming strategy for the company’s suite of four channels (Fuse, Heart & Home, Vault, Quest) including pre-licensing of Canadian productions and acquisition of foreign content. Her portfolio also includes oversight of media relations, programming publicity, corporate communications and industry outreach. 

Prior to joining Super Channel, Kim was Director of Marketing, Publicity & Promotion at 20th Century Fox / Incendo Television Distribution for over a decade. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from McMaster University and a post-grad certificate in PR from Humber College. She is also a graduate of the WIFT-T Media Leadership Program and Vice-Chair of the Foundation for WIFT-T Board. 

Sarah Quan | Executive in Charge of Development - Comedy CBC

As Executive in Charge of Development for CBC Comedy, Sarah is responsible for developing high quality, impactful original scripted comedy series for the network’s development slate. Prior to joining CBC, she served as Creative Executive at Northwood Entertainment (Anne With An E, The Grizzlies) where she managed their slate of television and feature film projects in development and production. Sarah started her career as a coordinator for independent film and digital series (How to Buy a Baby, Detention Adventure, We are Savvy). She also volunteers on a number of initiatives including co-facilitating AccessCBC, an initiative for creators with disabilities and as an advocate for the Academy Executive Residency Program.

As an award-winning producer and creative executive, Sarah is dedicated to discovering and

nurturing underrepresented voices with fresh perspectives and producing work that changes culture and explores stories that have yet to be told.

Lauren MacKinlay | Development Executive, Scripted, Original Programming Bell Media

As a Development Executive for Bell Media, Lauren works with independent production partners, writers, and creatives on the development of new scripted projects for Bell Media’s Original Programming slate. Prior to joining Bell Media, Lauren’s career as an award-winning producer included tenures at Neshama Entertainment and Sphere Media, with producing credits on THE WAY HOME (Hallmark), TRANSPLANT (CTV/NBC), BAD BLOOD (Netflix), 19-2 (CTV/Acorn) and more. She was a co-founder of the non-profit organization, Women On Screen, and in September 2022, she was named one of ten women on the Canadian Power List of Women in Film.

Mathew Parry | Manager, Creative Industry Programs Creative BC

Mathew’s primary responsibilities lie within the Development Team where he oversees a number of programs including the Project Development Fund, and other partnership programs with external organizations supporting film and TV development. Mathew has a Master’s degree in history, and is also a graduate of the Documentary Film Production program at Langara College.

Kelly Fox Sr. | Marketing Manager |  TELUS originals

After nearly two decades with the National Film Board of Canada, Kelly brings her passion for connecting audiences with documentary film to her role as Senior Marketing Manager for TELUS originals. Collaborating closely with filmmakers and communities, she is committed to maximizing each project’s potential to drive audience engagement, spark meaningful dialogue and inspire positive social change. Kelly resides in Edmonton and is thrilled that the TELUS original films Ari’s Theme, Between Pictures: The Lens of Tamio Wakayama and The Chef and the Daruma will screen at the Victoria Film Festival this year. 

Kay Rondonneau | Senior Marketing Advisor, International Market and Theatrical Release NFB of Canada

Kay Rondonneau (she/her) is currently a Senior Marketing Advisor, International Market and Theatrical Release, at the National Film Board of Canada, overseeing the release of documentaries such as 7 Beats Per Minute (Intuitive Pictures/NFB, 2024), WaaPaKe: Tomorrow (NFB, 2023), Anything For Fame (North of Now/NFB, 2023), Kimmapiiyipitssini: The Meaning of Empathy (Seen Through Woman/NFB, 2021), and Because We Are Girls (NFB, 2019), among others. Kay is based in Vancouver, BC and has worked in documentary marketing and distribution for over 15 years.

Patrice Ramsay | Senior Manager, Independent Production, Knowledge network

Patrice Ramsay is the Senior Manager of Independent Production at British Columbia’s Knowledge Network. Patrice leads Knowledge’s independent production team and oversees the pre-licensing of 1st and 2nd window documentary productions. Recent Knowledge Originals include Wildfire,  Search and Rescue North Shore (Season I & II), Transplant Stories, Forbidden Music, Inay, Arthur Erickson: Beauty Between the Lines, Society Page, and Subterranean.

Kristy Assu | Director - Funding Programs Indigenous Screen Office

Adam Garnet Jones | Director of TV Content and Special Events APTN

Adam Garnet Jones is Cree-Métis from Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton, AB.) For 14 years, Adam worked as a writer/director/producer of feature films and TV. In 2018, he shifted toward content development and advocacy for Indigenous creators founding the role of Indigenous Initiatives Lead at Telefilm Canada and the Canada Media Fund (CMF.) In that role, Adam helped Telefilm and the CMF implement Indigenous Pathways and Protocols into their funding systems, and guided the creation and implementation of a historic new fund for Indigenous feature filmmakers. 

Now, Adam is delighted to lead his team as Director of TV Content and Special Events at APTN. In his role, Adam is responsible for setting the direction of the network’s programming, and helping to nurture Indigenous TV series and feature films. Recently, he has been particularly proud of his work on Little Bird, Bones of Crows and the live National broadcast commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Adam is also a novelist and beadworker.

Kevin Eastwood  

Kevin is an award-winning writer, director and producer. Most recently he wrote, directed and produced The Society Page, for which he won a 2024 Leo Award for Best Direction. Other credits include being the series director on two critically-acclaimed, award-winning documentary series, British Columbia: An Untold History and Emergency Room: Life + Death At VGH, as well as writing and directing the CBC documentaries, Humboldt: The New Season and After The Sirens (both nominated for Best Documentary Program at the Canadian Screen Awards). His credits as a producer include the documentaries Part of the Pack (VFF 2022), Haida Modern (VFF 2020), and Eco-Pirate: The Story of Paul Watson, the feature films Preggoland, Fido, and The Delicate Art of Parking (VFF 2005), and the CBC series The Romeo Section. Kevin is currently the showrunner on Wildfire, a documentary series for Knowledge Network, and serves on the board for DOC Northwest and the Vancouver International Film Festival.

Deborah Patz | Investment Analyst, Business Affairs – English Market Telefilm Canada

(She/her) is an Investment Analyst for feature film on the Business Affairs team at Telefilm Canada. Her 24 years of experience at Telefilm in all sectors (feature film, TV, digital media), and prior experience in production since the mid-80s gives her a depth of knowledge on finance and production at all budget levels. She is a keen behind-the-scenes supporter of Canadian storytellers telling their stories for Canada and the world. She works out of the Vancouver office and respectfully on the unceded lands of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the Kwantlen and Katzie peoples.

Jhod Cardinal | President and Founder Upstream Flix

As President and Founder of Upstream Flix, as well as being the VP of Distribution & Acquisitions at dotstudioPro, Jhod specializes in releasing a variety of content from premium documentaries to world renowned TV Series including Kim’s Convenience. Jhod represents a large catalog of content while maintaining relationships with the largest players in North America including a successful digital distribution strategy for catalog content

Michael Boyuk | Head of Distribution Films We like

While working as researcher on Ron Mann’s film Go Further, Ron had a wild idea to start a distribution company. As Michael was sitting 3 feet away from Ron when he came up with this idea, Michael appeared to be the best, and only candidate (within a 3-foot radius) to do the job. The rest as they say, is distribution history. Michael has worked on all Films We Like releases which total over 500 titles, since its inception in 2003.   

Michele Wilson | International Sales & Festivals Coordinator Epic Pictures Group.

Originally from the Canadian prairies, Michele moved to Montreal to study Costume Design for Film and Television. Her love of film drew her to North America’s largest genre festival, Fantasia International Film Festival where she worked for five years. As the Director of Hospitality, she had the opportunity to meet many film industry professionals which is where she was first introduced to the Epic Pictures team. After moving across Canada to Vancouver and she joined Epic Pictures Group as an International Sales Agent. Michele focused on sales in Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe and traveled to film markets around the world. Since the pandemic, she has settled into Victoria with her family and her primary focus has shifted from sales and travel to festival submissions and acquisitions. Michele has an eye for original, stirring content, and enjoys being a part of a team who shares her love of cinema, and the challenges of the ever-changing market.

Epic Pictures is an independent producer, financer and distributor of genre films, including EXTRA ORDINARY, SEA FEVER, DARK NATURE, BEEZEL and LUCKY. 

Nicola Pender | Founder Pender PR

Nicola is a public relations professional with two decades of experience in communications, marketing, writing and publicity. As the director and founder of Pender PR, Nicola and her team have helped launch television series, web series, short and feature films and have worked for companies, festivals, brands, programs and talent. Nicola loves film and is passionate about working alongside filmmakers to launch their work into the world.

At Pender PR, Nicola’s team is committed to elevating the voices of creatives, promoting important stories and art, and creating meaningful connections with clients, audiences and the media. She prides herself on the great relationships she has fostered across many industries and is dedicated to promoting projects and people she believes in through her work. 

Select career highlights include working on the festival and theatrical releases of Sugarcane, Riceboy Sleeps, Mongrels, Ari’s Theme, Seagrass, In Flames, Kim’s Convenience, Blade Runner 2049, High Rise and so many more.

You can also find her 3 part series on CBC Gem entitled The Beacon Project,  a series of multimedia creations in collaboration with Indigenous communities along The Great Trail. A companion piece to the feature documentary 500 Days in the Wild.

Angie Power | Route 504 PR

Angie Power is a publicity and promotions professional with over 25 years of experience in the film industry. Her career has made her one of the leading names in Canadian film distribution. Power began in the industry with Lions Gate Films, which became Maple Pictures in Canada and was subsequently acquired by Alliance in 2011. At this time, she formed her own communications company, which she operated between positions at Allied Integrated Marketing and D Films Corp. In 2019, she partnered with publicist Ally LaMere-Shedden at Route 504 PR, a full-service boutique agency focusing on entertainment PR.

Tina Marie McCulloch | Casting Director Tina Marie Casting

Tina Marie McCulloch is a respected and resourceful Casting Director based in Vancouver and Calgary, and a proud member of the Casting Director Society of Canada (CDC). Known for her groundbreaking work on the Award-Nominated Series, NARCOLEAP (KGP Films), Tina Marie transitioned from a decade-long acting career, including time at NYC’s, Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, into a dynamic casting role.

Her resume is a testament to her industry impact. Tina Marie has cast for standout Feature Films such as, ONE MUST WASH EYES (Starring Pegah Ghafoori), and the eagerly anticipated Feature Film, CAN I GET A WITNESS, (Directed by Ann Marie Fleming and Starring Sandra Oh) which had its World Wide Premiere at TIFF 2024. She’s also made her mark with the Critically Acclaimed Horror Film, LOWLIFES (Starring Richard Harmon), now streaming on TUBI & CRAVE, and the upcoming Thriller, BROTHER (Directed by Sam Fichtner and Starring Chad Rook) which is slated to be released in late 2025.

Kim Roberts | Co-CEO/Producer Sepia Films

Kim brings over two decades of experience as an entertainment lawyer to Sepia Films. As a partner at the boutique law firm of Roberts & Stahl, Kim  provided legal advice on a wide range of film and television projects and now oversees all of Sepia’s development contracts, co-production deals, project financing and production legal. But it was the creative side of producing that made Kim want to give up his law practice and join Tina Pehme to work with artists who have a similar passion for telling great stories. Kim is also the company’s resident mixologist.

Andy Mikita | Director and Producer

Andy Mikita is a BC-based Director and Producer with over 150 hours of television and film credits including FAMILY LAW, VIRGIN RIVER, UNSPEAKABLE, TRAVELERS, BLINDSPOT, MOTIVE, X COMPANY, KILLJOYS, STRANGE EMPIRE, REIGN, BITTEN, LOST GIRL, DARK MATTER, and STARGATE UNIVERSE/ATLANTIS/SG-1.

Denver Jackson | Director, Writer and Producer

Denver Jackson, originally from South Africa and now based in Victoria, BC, is a self-taught animator celebrated for his solo work in writing, directing, and animating films. He is the creator of Esluna, a fantastical storyworld showcased in his most recent projects. He began with the web series Esluna: The First Monolith, followed by two feature films: Esluna: The Crown of Babylon (2021) and Esluna: The Worlds Divide (2024), that premiered at the Annecy International Film Festival.  His earlier works include the Vimeo Staff Pick Cloudrise (2013) and The Wishing Jar (2016), which won Best Animated Film at San Diego Comic-Con and Heartland Film Festival. Through his solo efforts, Denver pushes the boundaries of animation, bringing fantastical worlds to life with emotional depth and technical innovation.

Barbara Todd Hager | Producer, Director and Writer

Keira Jang | Actress (Can I Get a Whitness?, Batwoman, Riverdale...)

Keira Jang is a mixed Chinese/Caucasian triple threat performer based in Vancouver BC, who identifies as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. She made her feature film debut as the lead role in CAN I GET A WITNESS?, starring opposite Sandra Oh. Her other credits include BATWOMAN, RIVERDALE and THE KILLING, as well as appearing in several short films.

She began singing at a young age, following in the footsteps of her great grandmother who was a Chinese opera singer. Keira is also an accomplished dancer with more than 15 years of training, as well as 10 years of vocal training.

A graduate of the Capilano University Music Theatre program, her most notable stage credits include the leading role of Sophie in the TUTS production of MAMMA MIA, Cassie Ferguson in A CHORUS LINE (CapU Theatre), Elle Woods in LEGALLY BLONDE (Schools Out Productions), and Annelle Dupuy in STEEL MAGNOLIAS (Boone Dog Productions).

Leslie Dixon Screenwriter, Producer

Leslie Dixon has had a 35 year career in Hollywood. She wrote Overboard, Mrs. Doubtfire, The Thomas Crown Affair, Freaky Friday, Hairspray, and Limitless, among others. She is a non-college educated bohemian, grateful that Hollywood doesn’t care where you went to school, as long as you can write! She is the granddaughter of photographer Dorothea Lange and painter Maynard Dixon, though was too intimidated to pursue the fine arts as a career. Perhaps better to just entertain the masses? Leslie and her husband now live in Berkeley, CA, having wisely foreseen that much of L.A. could burn up.

Cecilia A. Brush | Sales Manager | Raven Banner Entertainment

Cecilia Brush is a dynamic and accomplished executive in the Film Sales Industry, renowned for her exceptional leadership skills, multilingual proficiency, and outstanding achievements within the realm of independent film sales & production.

Brush previously held the role of Head of Acquisitions for OneTwoThree Media, where her visionary directorship elevated the company to new heights. Her keen negotiation skills and unwavering dedication to her craft allowed the company to secure a vast array of promising projects, fostering lasting partnerships and bringing unique, thought-provoking content to audiences worldwide.

Subsequently, Cecilia took on the role of Head of Sales for Raven Banner Entertainment, where she leads the charge in expanding the company’s market presence and enhancing its reputation as a major player in the global film sales arena.