The panelists

Valerie Creighton is an industry leader in arts, culture and media, recognized for reenergizing some of the country’s most important organizations in the sector over the last 35 years.

Currently serving as President and CEO of the Canada Media Fund, Valerie positions Canadian programming at the forefront in world markets advocating successful, innovative Canadian content and software applications for current and emerging digital platforms. Valerie has taken part in foreign trade missions and is regularly called upon to present the CMF model internationally. 

Valerie holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Saskatchewan, has served on a variety of regional, national, and international juries and boards and has produced radio dramas for the CBC in Saskatchewan, where she owns and operates the Red Horse Ranch.

Melanie is a member of Minegoziibe Anishinabe. She splits her time between Winnipeg and Toronto. She is currently the VP of Industry, Partnerships & Growth at the Indigenous Screen Office recently transitioning from Warner Bros. Discovery where she oversaw the Canadian team and all initiatives and investments in the screen-based industries in Canada.

She was previously a network executive at APTN and then CBC, where she managed film and television projects of all genres in development and production. It was in those roles that Melanie was on the receiving end of thousands of pitches!

Outside of her daily work, Melanie has a long history of board work with imagineNATIVE and the National Screen Institute. She currently serves on the board for Cousin Collective and countless juries and advisory roles across the industry.

In 2023 she produced a 16mm short film titled ANYWHERE written and directed by Evelyn Pakinewatik. 

In all avenues she aims to connect talent to opportunity to show the world the rich tapestry of the underrepresented storytelling community. 

Lowell Dean is a Canadian filmmaker known for his distinctive blend of genres, dark humor, and compelling storytelling. He gained early recognition for writing and directing WOLFCOP and its sequel ANOTHER WOLFCOP, which earned a loyal cult following after their theatrical releases across North America.

The WOLFCOP films garnered several accolades, including the Audience Choice Award for Best Canadian Feature at the Fantasia International Film Festival, Best Horror Feature at the Arizona Underground Film Festival, and the Special Jury Award at the Fantasporto Fantasy Film Festival, along with several Canadian Comedy Award nominations.

Since WOLFCOP, Lowell has expanded his creative range, most recently writing and directing the post-apocalyptic love story DIE ALONE, starring Carrie-Anne Moss, Douglas Smith, and Frank Grillo. The film had its international world premiere at the Sitges Film Festival, where it won the Audience Choice Award before its theatrical release in late 2024.

Lowell's DARK MATCH, a unique wrestling horror film starring Steven Ogg, Ayisha Issa, and Chris Jericho, had its world premiere at the 2024 Fantasia International Film Festival. After generating festival buzz and winning awards (CIFF, FogFest, Blood in the Snow, Sitges), DARK MATCH had a cross-Canada theatrical release and is now streaming on Shudder.

Both DIE ALONE and DARK MATCH have firmly established Lowell Dean as a filmmaker with a strong voice in the world of genre cinema. In addition to his work in feature films, Lowell is currently developing high-concept projects for both comic books and television.

Charlotte Engel is a producer and a former broadcaster with over 30 years of experience in film and television. She currently is working on a documentary about garlic and is in development on a film about rockstar Lee Aaron. 

While at CBC, she oversaw CBC’s cutting edge documentary strands Firsthand and CBC Docs POV. She specialized in bringing unique voices and unforgettable stories to CBC. Many of these documentaries won multiple awards ( “Indictment: The Crimes of Shelley Chartier”, “Nipawistamasowin: We Will Stand Up” and “The Skin We’re In”).

As a producer of documentaries for Rock Yenta Productions, she brought docs to CBC, TVO and the Documentary Channel. She won a Canadian Screen Award for “My Millennial Life” and a Golden Sheaf award for “Mugshot”. 

Engel currently is on the board of Film PEI and Charlottetown Film Society and is also on the Yorkton Film Festival programming committee. She has previously sat on the boards of Hot Docs, DOC Ontario and imagineNATIVE.

Leslea Mair is a writer, director and producer based in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  With a background in theatre and experimental film, Leslea has applied her love of narrative to writing and producing award-winning documentaries and series.

She has written, produced and sometimes directed documentaries in the genres of science, current affairs, social/political issues, POV and feature documentary. She has also produced lifestyle series, a science fiction web series, and has recently added children’s animation to her slate of projects.

Steven Foster is the Business Agent for the DGC Manitoba & DGC Saskatchewan. He is responsible for all local administration and office management, member, labour & industry relations. Prior to his nine years with the DGC, Steven worked in various capacities in the music industry and is well versed with the gig economy, and the role culture plays within society.
 

Steven also sits on various Board of Directors and spends time volunteering with community organizations.

Erin Mussolum is a seasoned media professional with over two decades in film, television, and digital media. As a producer, writer, and storyteller, she has worked across documentaries, branded content, and corporate storytelling, collaborating with major networks and industry organizations. She has also served as Executive Director of Crazy8s Film Society, Manager of Operations for the Whistler Film Festival, and Jury Member for both the Leo Awards and the Yorkton Film Festival.

Beyond production, Erin is a sought-after conference programmer, curating thought-provoking sessions for major national tech events, including SaaS North, InnovateWest, and TechExit. She brings deep industry expertise to programming, fostering discussions on AI, digital transformation, and media innovation. Additionally, she teaches pitching and development at Vancouver Film School, mentoring emerging creators in storytelling and business strategy, and even successfully pitched on Dragon’s Den for the co-founded company Happy Camper Club. 

As a long-time supporter of the Yorkton Film Festival, Erin is passionate about independent filmmaking, story-telling and industry advocacy. Whether through content creation, conference programming, or mentorship, she is dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and driving impactful conversations in media and tech.

As a Senior Production Executive, Alison Korogyi collaborates with industry partners and oversees the production of Canadian content for Bell Media’s Original Programming slate. Alison’s portfolio covers scripted titles for all national channels, including Crave, CTV and CTV Specialty Channels. Current or announced titles include: SHORESY, UNDERBELLY, ACTING GOOD and DON’T EVEN. Prior to this role, Alison was a Development Executive in Original Programming, working with industry writers and producers on developing scripted and unscripted content. Notable titles include: THE TRADES and SIGHT UNSEEN.

Prior to joining Bell Media, Alison held a variety of permanent and freelance roles in media and event sectors, including Membership Manager for Women In Film & Television - Toronto and roles within the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Canadian Film Centre and Toronto Screenwriting Conference, and more. Alison currently sits on the Board of Directors for the ImagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival. 

Representing the Buckskin/Black Horse family of the Weasel People, Julian Black Antelope (aka “JBA”) is an award-winning actor, writer, director, and producer of First Nations, Central American, and Irish descent. With over 20 years of experience working globally on both sides of the camera, he has built a dynamic career spanning acting, filmmaking, and industry leadership.

JBA’s journey began in 2004 with a role in Steven Spielberg’s epic six-part miniseries Into the West (2005). From there, he quickly established himself in the industry, gaining experience through a steady stream of productions in southern Alberta—taking on day player roles, performing stunts, and working in various crew positions. His versatility and dedication laid the foundation for a career that continues to thrive on the global stage.

Still actively working as an actor, JBA’s credits include high-profile projects such as NCIS: Origins (2024), Grendel (2022), Prey (2022), and The Flash (2022). Beyond acting, he has produced an award-winning slate of feature films that have screened at major festivals worldwide. He is also the creator, writer, director, producer, and star of Secret History™, a docudrama series developed for APTN, now entering its third season.

In addition to his work in film and television, JBA is dedicated to fostering opportunities for Indigenous and BIPOC storytellers. In 2016, he founded HERD of 1 MEDIA, where he serves as President and CEO. It was within this production company that he first introduced Pathfinders, an internal training initiative designed to support aspiring BIPOC creatives. Recognizing its impact, he expanded it into a full-fledged training entity in 2023, establishing Pathfinders Film Institute—a subsidized, community-based program providing certified film education and equipping the next generation with the skills to thrive in the industry

Robert Hardy is the Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Media Production Industry Association (SMPIA). Robert has been working in Canadian television production for over 25 years as an executive, writer, producer and director focusing on documentary, lifestyle and scripted television. 

Robert helped create one of the world’s first web series in 1997 and has built an extensive network within the media industry since then. He has served as President, Canada for Fireworks Media Group, Senior Vice President Development at Entertainment One, VP Development at Paperny Entertainment, network executive with Bell Media and Senior Communications officer with CBC-Radio Canada. Before that he was a fundraiser, communications director and advertising writer and director.

Sometime between the invention of colour television and the first HD broadcast in Canada, Joanne McDonald’s world has mostly been filled with screen-based media (which until recently was better known as film and television) and lots of coffee.

As the General Manager for Citytv Saskatchewan she’s involved in all aspects of broadcasting- from operations to programming. The station is a provincial educational broadcaster and was called SCN in a former life.

Over the years she has helped bring many hours of content from Saskatchewan and beyond to screens and audiences. A number of titles have won national and international awards –and have gone on to be licensed in other markets around the world.

When she’s not running a TV station, you can find her volunteering for arts and cultural organizations- at present she sits on two Boards of Directors: SaskCulture (Past President) and the Yorkton Film Festival. She also gets to vote as a member of the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and belongs to Women in Communications and Technology. In the past she was on the board of the Saskatchewan Media Producers Industry Association and was a member of the Saskatchewan Arts Board’s Creative Industries Advisory Committee. In her other spare time she likes to make jelly salads, pull weeds in the garden and travel. And watch TV - of course.

Although her dad remains skeptical to this day, there is proof that someone with a philosophy degree can get a real job.

From the Pentagon to the Shaolin temple, Maya pyramids and the Paris Opera, Leif Kaldor finds great stories wherever they live.

Leif has directed and co-written award-winning documentaries looking at drone technology, a miracle cure for MS, global air pollution, the Cockney Chinese general Two Gun Cohen, killer robots, eco-village life, and a feature documentary on preachers who aren’t believers.

He recently directed and co-wrote a feature documentary on the Paris Opera Bastille and Fall of the Maya Kings for Explora, Smithsonian Channel Canada, PBS NOVA, ARTE France and SBS Australia.

In addition to his television awards Leif is a Juno award winning music producer and a Gemini award winning multimedia pr

Zarqa is a Canadian producer for film and television, a published author, public speaker, journalist, and former broadcaster. In 2007, Zarqa created the internationally renowned CBC comedy series, Little Mosque on the Prairie, the world’s first sitcom about a Muslim community living in the west. 

Little Mosque on the Prairie premiered to the highest ratings CBC had in over 20 years. The show went on to win a Gemini, and was nominated for Best Television Series – Comedy at the 2007 Directors Guild of Canada Awards. Internationally, Little Mosque won awards for Best International Television Series and Best Screenplay at the 2007 Roma Fiction Fest. 

In 2012, it made its American debut on Hulu, and is now broadcast in over 60 countries. The Los Angeles Times said “the genius of ‘Mosque’ is that the characters resonate with viewers all over the world.”

With over 25 years of experience and a credit list that includes Feature Films, Documentary Features, Documentary Series, Lifestyle Series, Kids Series and even development of an Adult Animated Series, Scott R. Leary has never allowed himself to be pigeon hold into one genre or another.  As the creative driving force behind series such as The Illegal Eater, Ancient Bodies; Secrets Revealed!, Cruise Ship Killers  and many others, Scott has enjoyed both critical and commercial success as an award winning Producer/Director.  In his new role as the Chief Content Officer of Farpoint Films he helps shepherd the vision of over 150 hours of content a year.

Bob Moore is a creative producer at EyeSteelFilm in Montreal, where he has produced over 40 feature documentaries since 2008. 

Together with his talented partners and collaborators, he has been the recipient of over 100 international awards, including Emmys, Cinema Eyes, Golden Horses, Owls, Phoenixes, and a variety of other celebratory animal-themed prizes. Bob loves to share his arcane knowledge and experience with like-minded filmmakers from around the world. 

He is a member of the Canadian Academy of Cinema and Television, and a documentary branch member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Grace Bruinooge holds a bachelor of arts in communications and media with a minor in English. A proud Red River Métis and settler mix, Grace was born and raised on Treaty 1 Territory (Winnipeg, Manitoba).

Passionate about storytelling, Grace first joined the National Screen Institute in 2021 as screening support for TELUS STORYHIVE. She later served as program coordinator for CBC New Indigenous Voices in 2023 and 2024, before taking on her current role as operations administrator.

In this role, Grace brings her creative problem-solving and organizational skills to effectively support staff and program participants. Dedicated to assisting talented storytellers in Canada and those connected with the National Screen Institute, she combines her passion for storytelling with her professional expertise.

In her free time, Grace enjoys graphic design, spending time with loved ones and diving into her latest creative project.

Remi is the primary lead for Creative Saskatchewan's film and television finance portfolio and delivers economic reporting for the sector. 

Remi’s team administers the film incentives for the Province, along with other Film Commission services. 

Remi is a Chartered Professional Accountant and has experience working in various financial and accounting roles across several industries.

Jon Taylor is a media executive based in Toronto, Canada. Jon is the CEO of the Independent Production Fund, one of Canada's oldest funding agencies and a pioneer in digital series development and production financing.  Prior to joining the IPF, Jon was VP of Digital Content & Strategy at Bell Media where he led the launch of Crave, Canada’s premiere streaming platform.  Prior to that Jon was Executive Producer of CTV Network and has worked as a producer for Discovery, ESPN, MTV, the United Nations, the Academy Awards and at the Olympic Games.

Catherine Moreau brings over 15 years of experience in the audiovisual and media sector, with a track record spanning scripted, documentary, variety, and youth television, both in production and content development. In 2021, she joined the Independent Production Fund (IPF) as Deputy Director of the Montreal office, where she manages the French-language programs and champions the interests of francophone nationwide. Her work at the IPF has deepened her expertise in project analysis and audiovisual financing, while sharpening her strategic perspective on the challenges and opportunities of an industry undergoing significant transformation.

I have 15 years of experience in the financial services sector supporting companies in the Media and Entertainment industry.

I hold a post-secondary degree in Business Administration from Brandon University. My professional designations include a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from University of Regina and a  Certificate in Financial Services Advice from Canadian Security Institute. 

I am committed to continually building my knowledge so I can provide you with advice that is current and relevant in today’s environment. 

Erin is the CEO for Creative Saskatchewan. She is responsible for the overall operation of the organization, by providing strategic leadership and working closely with the provincial government, industry stakeholders, the Board of Directors, and the senior management team. 

Erin was Creative Saskatchewan’s first employee, as the Director of Programs, and has been heavily involved in the creation of programming right from the start.  Previously, Erin was a Program Officer at the Saskatchewan Film Commission and has experience working in Business Affairs for several independent production companies. 

Erin obtained her BFA in Film and Video Production and BA in English at the University of Regina. Erin also holds a Certificate in Entertainment Law from the Osgoode Hall Law School. In her spare time, Erin enjoys spending time with her family, especially baking with her daughter, watching the silver screen, and game nights with friends.

As the Program Manager, Original Production (Citytv, OMNI, Citytv Sask), Rogers Sports and Media, Will Dixon oversees the development and production of original homegrown programming for the Rogers owned station. 

Prior to this position, Will spent three years as a Regional Development Executive for the premium pay television network Super Channel. Before that Will worked primarily in TV production spending almost 20 years writing, directing, story editing, and producing series and movies everywhere from Toronto to Vancouver to Montreal to Edmonton to Regina to Los Angeles.

As the AMI Content Development Specialist for Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Jim works with external production companies to bring unique documentaries and docu-series to AMI’s national audience. 

Along with his 10 years at AMI working directly with the disability community, Jim brings with him many years of experience in production and post-production. 

Since joining AMI-tv in 2012, Cara has moved from overseeing the channel’s internal productions to her current role as Director of Content Development and Production. She is now responsible for all of AMI’s current original content including Mind Your Own Business, Dish With Mary and returning series’ By Hook or By Cook and Breaking Character.

Cara is responsible for screening pitches, show development, and ensuring that all content meets AMI’s standard bearing qualities with respect to disability storytelling and inclusivity in all areas of original production – both on camera and behind the scenes.

Cara and her team at AMI are dedicated to creating accessible content for all Canadians. Through a production process called Integrated Described Video (IDV), AMI embeds audio description directly into the programs they produce, providing a seamless and inclusive experience for the blind or partially sighted viewer. Applying the IDV method in production ensures that the integrity of the program, as envisioned by the producers, is not altered in a post-production environment, but included in all stages: pre-production, production and post.

Cara has over 30 years of production experience, having previously worked at networks such as MuchMusic, Citytv, OMNI, FX Canada, OLN and Bio.

Steve Allen is a principal partner, founding member and a Producer and Director with the Wavelength Entertainment Group and is responsible for major decisions on key issues for the Wavelength Entertainment Group of companies.

Steve has worked in the television industry as a Director and/or Director of Photography on commercials and documentary series since 2001 for History Television, Discovery Channel, Discovery Military, The Smithsonian Channel US, A&E Biography, and TLC. 

In 2009 he won the Showcase best Photography award In 2005 for Worksafe Saskatchewan “Hospital” commercial, He was nominated for a Canadian Society of Cinematographers C.S.C. Award for Best Cinematography for his work on the documentary Escape from Iran, which was also nominated for a Gemini Award. He was nominated for a Showcase Award for Best Cinematography in a Documentary for the series Crime Stories. He has also been nominated for a Showcase Award for Best Visual Effects.

Danielle Yvonne Marie Audette (Red River Métis-Francophone) is a manager of programs and development for the National Screen Institute and a freelance consultant in the film and television industry specializing in production management, business affairs and post-production supervising. 

Her journey began in 1998 with Les Productions Rivard Inc, Canada’s first independent francophone production company outside of la belle province dedicated to weaving documentary stories shared by franco-minorities from the Yukon River to the Great Lakes. 

In 2002, Danielle began freelancing as a production manager on various historical documentaries for a multitude of independent companies which led her to post-production manage a series of horror / thriller films in 2007 (natural progression) enabling her to work with an amazing roster of talent from across North America. 

APTN, the world’s first Indigenous broadcaster, welcomed Danielle in 2009 where she immersed herself in a new community of storytellers specializing in all genres of programs in Indigenous languages including the historical debut of Rogers Hometown Hockey in Cree on APTN in 2019. 

Danielle resides within Treaty 1 territory. 

As founder of EyeSteelFilm in Montreal, Daniel has been a central figure in the international documentary community for over 25 years. His process-driven and hyper-personal approach, as director, as producer and as educator, have had a profound influence on a generation of documentary filmmakers. 

Films such The Street: a film with the homeless, S.P.I.T.: Squeegee Punks in Traffic, Homeless Nation, Up the Yangtze, Last Train Home, Yintah, and more than 50 other feature films are all testament to his level of discipline and sensitive approach to complex cultural situations.

His most recent film as director/producer I Am the Blues received two Yorkton Golden Sheaf Awards, along with two Canadian Screen Awards (Canada’s Oscar). Cross is a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).  

Kaya Wheeler, Program Manager, Indigenous Screen Office, is of Anishnaabe and Nehiyaw descent – is a registered member of Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba. She graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a bachelor of arts in Indigenous Studies, and has been working within the Indigenous community in Winnipeg for more than 10 years. 

She has spent a large portion of this time working with Indigenous youth in many areas, including acting and storytelling for theatre. For the last five years she has specifically worked with emerging and mid-career storytellers in film, tv and digital media. 

She has had experience both volunteering and working on film sets, and even had a small stint on the stage and in front of the camera.

Rob McLaughlin is the Chief Strategy Officer at the National Board of Canada. 

Raised in Yorkton, Rob has worked as a journalist, producer and senior media executive for over 25 years and is recognized for his influential role in advancing Canada's digital media landscape.  

At the NFB, he has served as Executive Producer of the Animation Studio, Executive Producer of the Interactive and Digital Studio, and Co-Director of the NFB Innovation Lab.  As Chief Strategist, Rob works closely with the NFB Commissioner to define and implement the organization’s overall strategic vision.

As the Indigenous Language Production Executive of original programming at APTN, Shelley oversees documentary series and children's for English productions with Indigenous language versions. Shelley has more than 25 years of experience in Canada's screen industry and has held a range of positions in Development, Production, and Acquisitions. Shelley has been part of APTN's programming team since late 2015 and works with independent producers to bring unique and engaging content to APTN's national audience.

By the time Alyssa graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Stage Management & Technical Theatre from the University of Regina she was already working professionally as a Lighting Technician, Wardrobe Technician, and Stage Manager. 

Although her formal training is in theatre, Alyssa’s experience focused more on special events and live music. After three years as a lighting technician at Regina’s busiest roadhouse, Alyssa joined a production company where she expanded her skills to include design, programming, production management, and staging. 

Four years later she opened the Christie Lites Sales Saskatchewan office and has never looked back. She finds great satisfaction in helping other people build their vision and solving problems.

Bruce’s relationship with performance lighting began in the late 1970s with high school and community theatre productions. But his first love has always been music, so he moved into the recorded music sales industry, which at the time was exploding. 

Eventually he saw merging his two interests as a path to actively participate in live music, so he began a 35-year career of designing concert and special event lighting systems. This eventually led to touring, and then accepting a position with a production company closer to home. 

Over time, Bruce discovered that helping others make appropriate choices for their venues could be just as rewarding as doing shows was. Wanting to give that his full attention, he opened the Saskatchewan office of Christie Lites Sales with Alyssa in 2013.