Damon is a veteran producer responsible for bringing to screen some of Canada’s most critically and commercially successful films and television (BROTHER, RUDE, THE GRIZZLIES, THE BOOK OF NEGROES and WILDHOOD). His most recent film, BROTHER, world premiered at TIFF 2022 to strong critical acclaim, sold to Netflix in the US and won a record-breaking 12 Canadian Screen Awards. The film won 2 NAACP Image Awards for Best Independent and Best International Feature. Damon’s miniseries adaptation of THE BOOK OF NEGROES, the best-selling novel by Lawrence Hill, won 12 Canadian Screen Awards, earned two nominations for U.S. Critic’s Choice Television Awards, won an NAACP Image Award and was a finalist for the prestigious 2016 Peabody Award. His most recent film STEAL AWAY, starring Angourie Rice is in post-production. A recent member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and one of the founders of Canada’s Black Screen Office, Damon is also the current Chair of the Canadian Media Producers Association.

Visionary. Veteran Entertainment Industry Executive. Culture Shaper. Black American Television Producer. Founder & CEO-In The Black Network. James DuBose is an innovative, visionary, and thought leader known for producing culture- shaping content and sharing the voice and lived experiences of Black people around the globe. DuBose built his entire career with his focus on four fundamental pillars, which are to inspire, educate, uplift, and entertain Black audiences. DuBose has built an impressive catalogue of assets known for garnering record-breaking television network numbers. He executive- produced and syndicated the entertainment show Dish Nation, E! Networks’s WAGS Atlanta, as well as the hit projects under his DuBose Entertainment banner, such as Kevin Hart’s One Mic Stand, Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is, Monica’s Still Standing, Tiny and Toya, Toya: A Family Affair, Trey Songz: My Moment, The Michael Vick Project, Hell Date, and Comic View, among others. DuBose was also the General Manager of Fox Soul-Fox’s first OTT Platform.

Nancy Dubuisson, a graduate of ETS University (École de Technologies Supérieures) and having worked for more than 20 years in the telecoms industry, made the leap into the world of media by joining the founding team of Natyf TV, the first French speaking TV channel dedicated to cultural diversity, which now has more than 2.3 million subscribers. Highly respected by her business partners as a programming director, with her reputation well established and great sense of leadership, Natyf has triggered more than $10 million in funding for various films and TV projects for BIPOC producers in Quebec.

John Gibson is a prominent inclusion and social impact change agent. In 2012, he established the Motion Picture Association’s Inclusion, Community & Belonging (ICB) program – working simultaneously to promote and highlight the association’s member studios’ (Netflix, Paramount Pictures, Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, The Walt Disney Studios, and Warner Bros. Discovery) multicultural initiatives – while also managing the MPA’s partnerships with industry, civil rights, leading non-profits, and multicultural groups as part of the association’s outreach to third-party organizations.  

Since creating the MPA’s ICB program, John has cultivated key partnerships with over 60 organizations throughout the United States and Canada such as the American Black Film Festival, Atlanta Film Festival and Film Society, Georgia Latino International Film Festival, New York Latino Film Festival, Toronto’s Black Screen Office and the Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program (HBCUs in LA/Atlanta/New York), of whose advisory boards he serves on; the National Urban League, previously serving on its Urban Solutions Council; National Association of Latino Independent Producers, Women in Animation, Center for Asian American Media, Native American Media Alliance, Urbanworld, and many other groups working tirelessly to promote inclusion for everyone in film, television and streaming. 

John has been featured in Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, LA Times, Black Enterprise, The Washingtonian and many other publications. He has received numerous awards recognitions by organizations including African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA), National Urban League’s Washington Bureau, Rainbow PUSH Coalition, STARZ Network’s #TakeTheLead Initiative, Santo Domingo Global Film Festival, ICON Talks, National Black Movie Association and more.

Kenneth Gifford is a seasoned film industry professional, entrepreneur, and advocate for independent cinema. As the founder of Vault Access, a groundbreaking streaming platform, Gifford is dedicated to providing a global stage for independent filmmakers, content creators, and artists. Vault Access was created to break down barriers in Hollywood, giving diverse voices a platform to share their stories and monetize their work on their own terms.

With a career spanning decades in film and television, Gifford has worked on major Hollywood productions, including Cadillac Records, The Dark Knight Rises, and Hancock. His hands-on experience in production has given him a deep understanding of the industry’s inner workings and the challenges filmmakers face in getting their projects seen.

In addition to Vault Access, Gifford is the founder and executive director of the Newark International Film Festival (NIFF), a premier event that has attracted thousands of creatives from around the world. NIFF serves as a launchpad for emerging filmmakers, celebrating the art of storytelling while positioning New Jersey as a powerhouse for film and television production.

Gifford is a tireless advocate for industry expansion in New Jersey, working closely with government officials, production companies, and creatives to build opportunities for filmmakers. His passion for mentorship, innovation, and community-building continues to shape the future of entertainment. Through Vault Access and NIFF, he is redefining how content is created, distributed, and experienced ensuring that independent voices are heard on a global scale.

Jason Harvey has been a marketing leader for over 20 years leading the marketing strategy for companies like Land Rover, Google, Microsoft and eBay. As a multidisciplinary marketing leader for more than 20 years, Jason Harvey has led strategy for Land Rover, Google, Microsoft, and eBay. His success at building brands, fluency in marketing analytics and passion for entertainment has most recently been leveraged to launch BET+, a multi-platform streaming service owned by Paramount. BET+ delivers authentic Black storytelling to US customers on connected TV, mobile apps and web. Since its launch in 2019, BET+ has grown faster than the premium SVOD average to become the #1 Black SVOD service. Jason earned his MBA from the Anderson School at UCLA and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business at USC.

Richard Jean-Baptiste holds the position of VP of Business Innovation and Executive Producer at Attraction, an industry-leading content production, creation, and distribution company established in 2002. This key player in North America’s entertainment sector has numerous awards and distinctions to its name.

Richard’s background in advertising saw him serving as the lead production partner at the globally recognized advertising agency Sid Lee. Operating out of Montreal, Toronto, Los Angeles, Seattle, New York City, Paris, and Amsterdam, Sid Lee provided Richard with ample opportunities to produce over fifty scripted and non-scripted projects, developing his expertise in creating captivating content in partnership with international brands.

Richard’s productions have graced theaters across Canada and have been broadcast on major networks such as CBC, Radio-Canada, TVA, Télé-Québec, TV5, and HBO Canada. They have also been featured in various film festivals. Richard’s accolades include nominations and awards from prestigious institutions like Numix, Gémeaux, Cannes Cyber Lions, Boomerang, Digital Marketing Awards, and FWA. His innovative approach led him to co-found the first French-Canadian mobile content channel in Canada, LibTv.

In his current role, Richard actively explores new business and financial models, including forging partnerships between brands, networks, and agencies. His endeavors extend into the FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) channels ecosystem, where he seeks innovative ways to drive industry growth and success. Richard is a dedicated advocate for diversity in the media and entertainment sectors, serving as a Board Member of the Black Screen Office of Canada. This commitment to diversity forms an essential aspect of his personal and professional values.

Elon D. Johnson is the Vice President of Development at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. In this role, she spearheads the discovery, development, and production of compelling content across TV series, feature films, TV movies, and OTT platforms. Her creative leadership is instrumental in shaping the studio’s diverse and dynamic slate.

As Vice President, Scripted Development for Lionsgate Canada, Andrew Kelly develops dramatic and comedic series for Canada and the global co-production marketplace. With series sold to ABC, Amazon, CBC, CTV, CityTV, Global, Netflix, Starz, SyFy, Hallmark, and The CW, Andrew strives to deliver entertaining and emotional series with commercial appeal. Ever on the lookout for voice-driven original creative and noisy IP, Andrew takes pride in strong relationships founded on creative collaboration with both emerging and experienced talent. Active throughout the Canadian industry, Andrew has spoken on panels and participated in juries at All Access Manitoba, Banff World Media Festival, Screen Nova Scotia, Prime Time Ottawa, the Canadian Film Centre, Content Canada, Content London, Scripted NYC, WattCon, Queen’s Media Conference, Humber College, and Toronto Metropolitan University. Once named to Playback’s 5-to-Watch, Andrew aims to both shepherd and champion the kind of commercial, entertaining programming of which he knows Canadians are capable.

Sam Linton, VP, Production and Development, Global Media, Blue Ant Media brings over 35 years of production expertise to the media company’s channel brands. Based in Canada, Sam leads commissioning for Blue Ant Media’s suite of specialty television channels and global FAST (free, ad-supported streaming TV) channels, including: Cottage Life, T+E, Makeful, Smithsonian Channel, BBC First, BBC Earth, HauntTV, Total Crime, Homeful, Love Pets and Declassified. In her role, Sam oversees commissioning and production of original series and specials such as My Haunted Hometown, A Ghost Ruined my Life with Eli Roth, History’s Most Haunted, Hope for Wildlife:The Next Generation, History by the Numbers, Mysteries from Above, Wild Rose Vets and Life Below Zero: Canada. 

Sam has written, produced and directed many series and specials. Her former roles include Director of Programming for Discovery Canada and Animal Planet, in addition to SVP of Factual for Cineflix Productions where she executive produced series such as May Day, Final 24, Mega Moves and Urban Legends. Sam also held leadership roles at History Television as Acting Head of Factual Content and RTR Media as VP and Executive Producer for RTR Media. Sam began her career at CTV National News, working in pretty much every role in the newsroom  from editorial assistant to Senior Story Producer. Sam is also committed to mentoring and training the next generation of storytellers through her work in both the Canadian television industry and her role as an active member, and former board director, at WIFT-T. Additionally, Sam serves as an advisor to the Broadcasting Program at Centennial College. 

Michael Maponga is a media entrepreneur, actor, and executive producer with over 15 years in the global Film/TV industry. Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, and raised in Dallas, Texas, he saw a gap in the global distribution of African stories and founded AfroLandTV in 2015 to amplify Black voices. Backed by Comcast NBCUniversal & OTTera, AfroLandTV reaches millions through platforms like Peacock, Roku, and Vizio, with advertising partnerships including Amazon, Nissan, and GM. In 2023, he launched Maponga Studios to develop a premier studio complex in Zimbabwe. His work was spotlighted in Comcast’s Founding in Color documentary in 2021.

Lea Marin is the Director of Development, Drama, for the CBC, and is responsible for driving and overseeing the quality and diversity of the drama development slate including the recently launched productions, Wild Cards and Allegiance.  A graduate of the Canadian Film Centre’s Producers’ Lab, prior to joining the CBC, Lea was a Senior Producer with the National Film Board of Canada where she developed and produced several documentaries and interactive projects. Some of her credits include Ever Deadly co-created by Tanya Tagaq & Chelsea McMullan, Charles Officer’s Unarmed Verses, Astra Taylor’s What Is Democracy?.

Jeffrey L. Orridge is a seasoned executive with a career spanning sports, entertainment, media, technology, consumer products, education, and social impact across North America and globally. Currently the CEO of TVO Media Education Group, he has led digital transformation and rebranding efforts, positioning the organization as a leader in inclusive multimedia learning. His leadership journey includes senior roles at USA Basketball, Reebok, Warner Brothers, Mattel, CBC, the CFL, and Canadian Tire. As the first Black Commissioner of a major North American sports league, he revitalized the CFL through digital innovation, rebranding, and diversity initiatives. Previously, as Executive Director of CBC Sports, he secured Olympic media rights and led coverage of major global sporting events. A former corporate lawyer, Jeffrey also founded T.R.U.S.T. Sports Advisory to support athletes in decision-making. His contributions to sport, media, and social justice have earned him numerous awards, including the African Canadian Achievement Award and recognition as one of the 100 Most Influential Canadians of African Descent.

Jean-Yves Roux made his debut in the music industry as a hip-hop artist manager in the middle of the 90’s while he was still studying television production at Montreal University. Then in the beginning of the 2000’s he started producing music videos. In 2004 he produced his first TV show named Vibeplus, a music program devoted to Hip-Hop culture for the community channel MAtv (owned by Quebecor). Then in 2005 he launched an urban magazine of the same name that featured internationally well-known artists (such as Oxmo Puccino, Ludacris, etc.) that he also produced their concerts in Canada. In the years that followed, he devoted himself to the production of music videos, music concerts and distributing albums of local and international artists. It’s in 2008 that Jean-Yves finally decided to stop all his operations in the music industry to put his focus on video productions and get its first CRTC license to launch an urban music channel named Clovys TV, that will unfortunately never get on-air. Ten years later Jean-Yves finally comes back with another TV project dedicated to multicultural diversity: Natyf TV, launched in June 2018.

As a creative executive Jessica Shadlock is responsible for developing comedies and dramas for the Canadian and international markets, collaborating with writers, creators and executives across Boat Rocker’s scripted slate. Recent projects include 2023’s Robyn Hood for Global TV, the upcoming series Bet for Netflix and Irish series Video Nasty. She has developed projects with CBC, Corus, Paramount+, Amazon and Crave.  In addition to her work with Boat Rocker, Jessica serves as judge for the Forest City Film Festival’s screenplay competition and is a member of Producing for the Planet’s Producer Steering Committee. 

Before joining Boat Rocker in 2018, Jessica was Development Manager at Back Alley Film Productions where she helped develop drama series Coroner (CBC, The CW) and Bellevue (CBC, WGN America) in addition to managing the company’s development slate. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s RTA School of Media, Jessica got her start on set in the unscripted space.

Dillon Taylor got his start in the television industry 12 years ago after graduating from the Writing and Producing for Television program at Humber College. He joined Shaftesbury in 2013 working for Smokebomb Entertainment and has amassed a wealth of experience across the entirety of the production process, from development to post-production and delivery. He has produced several Shaftesbury digital productions including CLAIREvoyant, and Falconette, and has written for, directed, edited, completed visual effects, and creative produced Clearwater Kids Challenge, What the Stink?, Maker Space, Emerald Code: Decoded, The Infinite Worlds of Ella Jane, the Youth Media Alliance Award winning STEAM Stars, and the Kidscreen award winning Solutioneers, among others. He is currently a Development Executive in the Prime Time Development department at Shaftesbury where he fosters projects from inception through the transition to the production phase. He is currently in development on projects with multiple broadcasters including CBC, Bell/Crave, and Corus Entertainment.

Li Yeh is Director of Strategic Planning for English-language original programming for Bell Media. Li leads the business and content rights strategies for development and independent productions working closely with the senior leadership team.  With a focus on Bell Media’s strategic priorities, Li also manages relationships with external stakeholders. 

With over 20 years of experience in the television and broadcasting industry, Li joined Bell Media in 2005 as Senior Specialist in Business and Legal Affairs, and most recently was Senior Business Affairs Lead, heading up the business affairs department at Bell Media Studios.  Li holds a BA in Radio and Television Arts from Toronto Metropolitan University.  

Jo-Anne Liburd is a Communications Consultant whose clients span a range of industries, from the screen sector to travel to healthcare. A focal point of her professional and volunteer work, however, is supporting community-profit organizations to address the needs of equity-deserving populations. She brings a passion for social justice, an inquiring mind, and an ever-present sense of humour to each collaboration.