TV KIDS FESTIVAL 2022
Tuesday, February 1
9 a.m. EST
Hit Seekers
WarnerMedia’s Adina Pitt, KiKA’s Sebastian Debertin, M6’s Maud Branly and CBC’s Marie McCann share their strategies for finding the best properties the international market has to offer.
10:30 a.m. EST
Keynote: DreamWorks Animation’s Peter Gal
As the chief creative officer for television at DreamWorks Animation, Peter Gal will discuss the studio’s approach to developing resonant, compelling content for Netflix, Apple TV+, Peacock, Prime Video, Hulu and other platforms worldwide. Stay tuned after Gal’s keynote for a sneak peek at a new show from NBCUniversal Global Distribution.
12 p.m. EST
Creative Keynote: Bluey’s Joe Brumm
Originated in Australia, Bluey, created by Joe Brumm, has won the hearts of preschoolers across the globe.
1:30 p.m. EST
Keynote: WildBrain’s Josh Scherba
The president of WildBrain, Josh Scherba will weigh in on how the kids and family giant is evolving amid changes in the market.
3 p.m. EST
Keynote: Common Sense Networks’ Eric Berger
As CEO of Common Sense Media’s for-profit arm, Eric Berger architected the launch of Sensical, a new AVOD platform that arrived on the scene last year with a slew of high-end content partnerships in place.
Wednesday, February 2
9 a.m. EST
Little Learners
Genevieve Dexter, founder and CEO of Serious Kids and Eye Present; Jetpack Distribution CEO Dominic Gardiner; Emmanuèle Pétry-Sirvin, partner and producer at Dandelooo; and Daniel Bays, VP of development at CAKE, on the keys to appealing to preschool audiences.
10:30 a.m. EST
Creative Keynote: Aardman’s Nick Park
A co-director at Aardman and a four-time Academy Award winner, Nick Park will discuss his creative approach to megahit properties such as Shaun the Sheep and Wallace & Gromit.
12 p.m. EST
Keynote: Mattel’s Fred Soulie
As senior VP and general manager of Mattel Television, Fred Soulie oversees a slate of content inspired by the toy giant’s treasure trove of IP. Immediately following Soulie’s keynote, TV Kids Festival participants will be treated to a full episode of the brand-new Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go.
1:30 p.m. EST
Behind the Scenes of Alma’s Way
Sonia Manzano, best known for her long run on Sesame Street, and Ellen Doherty, the chief creative officer at Fred Rogers Productions, on their new PBS KIDS preschool show Alma’s Way.
3 p.m. EST
Engaging Kids Today
Deirdre Brennan, COO of WildBrain, and Frank Falcone, president and executive creative director at Guru Studio, participate in a candid conversation about navigating the complexities of the kids’ business today.
Thursday, February 3
9 a.m. EST
Panel & Premiere: The McFire Family
Pierre Sissmann, chairman and CEO of Cyber Group Studios, and Coralie Boitrelle-Laigle, head of content for M6 Group’s kids’ channels in France, give a behind-the-scenes look at the animated series The McFire Family ahead of the premiere of the show.
10:30 a.m. EST
TV Kids Pioneer Award: M6’s Philippe Bony
TV Kids is honoring Philippe Bony, general manager of thematic TV channels at M6 Group and president of Gulli, for his achievements in the kids’ business with this year’s Pioneer Award.
12 p.m. EST
Keynote: eOne’s Olivier Dumont
Olivier Dumont, president of eOne Family Brands, leads the creation and production of an array of leading kids’ properties, including the megahit Peppa Pig.
1:30 p.m. EST
Creative Keynote: Alice’s Wonderland Bakery’s Chelsea Beyl
Disney Junior’s Alice’s Wonderland Bakery, executive produced by Emmy-nominated writer and producer Chelsea Beyl, is inspired by the classic Alice in Wonderland.
3 p.m. EST
The Atomic Spirit
As Thunderbird Entertainment’s Atomic Cartoons division steps up its activities in Canada and across the globe, Jennifer Twiner McCarron, CEO; Matt Berkowitz, president and chief creative officer; and Richard Goldsmith, president of global distribution and consumer products, share details on the company’s expansion strategies.
Friday, February 4
9 a.m. EST
French Flair
Raphaëlle Mathieu, senior VP of sales, acquisitions and new media at Cyber Group Studios; Corinne Kouper, senior VP of development and production, co-founder and executive producer at TeamTO; and David Sauerwein, producer and co-owner of Zephyr Animation, APC Kids’ production arm, discuss the latest developments in French animation.
10:30 a.m. EST
Keynote: Studio 100’s Hans Bourlon
Studio 100, led by CEO and co-founder Hans Bourlon, operates across all segments of the kids’ business, from animation studios and a distribution arm to theme parks, TV channels and a successful L&M operation.
12 p.m. EST
Keynote: pocket.watch’s Chris M. Williams
The founder and CEO of pocket.watch, Chris M. Williams will discuss how the company is mining YouTube to deliver a new generation of kids’ IP.
1:30 p.m. EST
The Kidoodle.TV Way
The AVOD platform’s chief content officer, Brenda Bisner, will weigh in on her approach to securing the best properties for audiences.
3 p.m. EST
That’s a Wrap!
Anna Carugati, our group editorial director, offers up a closing message and checks in with a pair of delightful young ones in the extended TV Kids family about what they’re watching!
