8:45am — 9:15am
Join us for opening remarks to frame the day’s purpose and what to expect. Black culture is a global powerhouse, and the second annual BSO Symposium will explore how to harness its influence to create impactful content, drive industry change, and propel Black content creators and storytellers forward.
Speaking in this session:
Andrea Bain
Co-Host, The Social
Joan Jenkinson
CEO, Black Screen Office (BSO)
Richard Jean-Baptiste
VP, Business Innovation, Executive Producer, Attraction
In partnership with Bell Media
9:15am — 9:30am
Start the day off with an unforgettable musical performance from one of Canada’s biggest and brightest stars, setting an uplifting and celebatory tone for the exciting day ahead!
9:30am — 10:15am
Hear an in-depth discussion from some of the industry’s biggest powerhouses – one shaping scripted TV with Queen Latifah and one developing content for the trailblazing Tyler Perry Studios. This conversation dives into what’s next for Black creators, how these top executives use their positions to ensure authentic Black stories get told, and how they’re breaking barriers in Hollywood and beyond.
Speaking in this session:
Elon D. Johnson
VP of Development, Tyler Perry Studios
Loretha Jones
EP, Queen Latifah’s The Equalizer, Former BET President
Moderator: Damon D’Oliveira
Partner, Conquering Lion Pictures
10:15am — 10:30am
Come celebrate as the Symposium proudly presents the inaugural BSO Award of Excellence to the iconic Deborah Cox.
Deborah Cox
BSO Award of Excellence Honouree
11:00am — 11:05am
Speaking in this session:
Natasha “Courage” Bacchus
Deaf Performer, Writer, Director, Producer
Presented in partnership with Unity Workforce Strategies
11:05am — 11:50am
More information coming soon.
Speaking in this session:
Amanda Parris
Host, Creator and Executive Producer of CBC’s For the Culture
Joy Loewen
VP of Growth and Inclusion, Canada Media Fund (CMF)
More speakers coming soon!!
11:50am — 11:55am
Speaking in this session:
Richard Jean-Baptiste
VP, Business Innovation, Executive Producer, Attraction
11:55am — 12:45pm
Commissioners from Canada and the United States take the Symposium stage to discuss the realities of content commissioning in today’s industry, content trends, and how partnerships are possible, and necessary, to get more authentic Black content on screens.
Speaking in this session:
Lea Marin
Director of Development, Drama, Scripted Content, CBC
Megan Reid
VP, Scripted Development, Media Res
Kaylon Hunt
VP, Viola Davis’s JuVee Productions
Jeffrey Orridge
CEO, TVO Media Education Group
Moderator: Joan Jenkinson
CEO, Black Screen Office (BSO)
Presented in partnership with Canadian Media Producers Association
1:45pm — 2:00pm
Join us for an interactive African drumming experience featuring Alpha Rhythm Roots.
2:00pm — 2:05pm
Set to launch soon, BSO’s Anti-Black Racism Policy Framework is a vital tool for cultural industries looking to address systemic barriers and drive meaningful change. In this session, Keziah Myers from ADVANCE Music Canada offers a preview of why this framework matters and how it will help reshape policies for a more equitable industry.
Speaking in this session:
Keziah Myers
Executive Director, ADVANCE, Canada’s Black Music Business Collective
2:05pm — 2:50pm
This session will provide delegates with the critically important opportunity to hear directly from members of the Streaming Innovation Alliance (SIA), a newly formed division of the Motion Picture Association, and the united voice of the streaming community from across the United States. Hear from three groundbreaking platforms, all SIA members, providing opportunities and access to Black and historically marginalized content creators, and offering storytellers from more diverse backgrounds a chance to tell their stories and find their audiences.
Speaking in this session:
James DuBose
Founder / CEO, In The Black Network
Kenneth Gifford
Founder / CEO, Vault Access
Michael S. Maponga
Founder, AfroLandTV & CEO, Maponga Studios
Moderator: John Gibson
VP of External & Multicultural Affairs, Motion Picture Association (MPA)
2:50pm — 3:30pm
Streaming has disrupted traditional gatekeeping of Black-led content, however systemic challenges to growth still remain. Although the fight for equitable representation in streaming continues, join Jason Harvey, EVP and Head of BET+, as he discusses some of the continued opportunities to achieve commercial success for Black-led content.
Speaking in this session:
Jason Harvey
EVP and Head of BET+
Interviewer: maxine bailey
Executive Director, Canadian Film Centre (CFC)
4:00pm — 5:30pm
A BSO Symposium first! Pre-registration is required for this dynamic market access program where delegates can engage directly with industry executives, streamers, funders, and broadcasters in small-group meetings. Designed to open doors to partnership and collaboration opportunities.
4:00pm — 5:30pm
Location: Breakout Room
This interactive session empowers Black youth (ages 18-24) to dream boldly, understand the realities of the film and television industry, and map out actionable steps toward their careers. Led by industry leaders, participants will break through internal and systemic barriers, gain strategic insights, and leave with a clear plan for success. Sponsored by the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, this is more than a conversation—it’s a launchpad for the next generation of Black storytellers, creators, and industry leaders.
Speaking in this session:
Anthony Q. Farrell
President, CEO, Canfro Productions
R.T. Thorne
Director, Screenwriter & Producer
Karen Chapman
Storyteller
Tamar Bird
Film & TV Producer
Moderator: Kofi Hope
Co-Founder, Monumental
Presented in partnership with Canadian Race Relations Foundation
6:00pm — 6:30pm
Join Cameron Bailey as he explores the global reach of Black stories, the evolution of Black-led film and television, and the necessity of fostering innovation. Hear how TIFF has played a key role in globalizing Black talent and narratives over the last 50 years, and what Canadian creators can learn from the international market.
Speaking in this session:
Cameron Bailey
CEO, Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
Interviewer: Kathleen Newman-Bremang
Deputy Director, Global, Refinery29 Unbothered
Presented in partnership with Telefilm Canada
6:30pm
Our closing remarks will tie together the key themes from the day, issuing a call to action for delegates to take the next steps in shaping the industry.
Speaking in this session:
Andrea Bain
Co-Host, The Social
Presented in partnership with Bell Media
6:30pm — 8:00pm
The party you’ve been waiting for all year… the fantastic BSO Symposium Cocktail Party won’t disappoint! Get photographed in front of the Step & Repeat, savour wonderful food and drinks, and enjoy music and dancing with our great DJ. You don’t want to miss it!
8:00pm
After the Symposium wraps, the party continues with new friends and colleagues at the Westin Harbour castle Chartroom Bar and Lounge.
Address: The Westin Harbour Castle Hotel, 1 Harbour Square, Toronto
