Loading…
FactualWEST 2026
arrow_back View All Dates
Wednesday, September 30
 

9:00am PDT

FactualWEST 2025 Day Two Welcome
Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:15am PDT
Continue your growth with a full-day of networking and a deep dive into the world of multi-cam directing and editing. Not to be missed, today you'll experience insightful panels and sessions to level up your experience in successful content development, pitching, and financing.

Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:15am PDT
Asia Pacific Hall (Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue) 580 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1L6

9:15am PDT

From Chaos to Camera: Directing the World of Multicam
Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT
Join Harb Singh as he takes you inside the world of large-scale multicam productions. In this session, Harb will break down the complex coordination and synergy  required between departments to direct high-stakes shows with multiple moving parts. From managing camera  setups and live feeds to aligning sound, lighting, and timing, you'll get an inside look at the strategy and teamwork that turns chaos into a well-oiled machine.  

Sessions and schedule subject to change.
Speakers
avatar for Harbinder Singh

Harbinder Singh

Freelance Director/Producer
Harbinder Singh is a cinematic multi-camera television director/producer with over 20 years of television production experience. Having gained immense knowledge and experience from working on Canada’s biggest television shows, Harbinder has worked on everything from daily live lifestyle... Read More →
Wednesday September 30, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT
Asia Pacific Hall (Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue) 580 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1L6

10:15am PDT

Break
Wednesday September 30, 2026 10:15am - 10:30am PDT
Wednesday September 30, 2026 10:15am - 10:30am PDT
Belzberg Atrium (Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue) 580 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1L6

10:30am PDT

1:1 Network Pitches Sponsored by CMPA-BC
Wednesday September 30, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
This is your chance to pitch directly to Canadian broadcasters in a fast-paced, high-impact format. The 1:1 pitch sessions give attendees the rare opportunity to present their ideas in quick-fire pitches to the very decision-makers who have the power to greenlight your project. Whether you're looking to get a foot in the door or take your idea to the next level, this session offers unparalleled access to the top execs in the industry.

All pitches will be limited to 7 minutes.

Applications for the 1:1 Pitch Session have now closed. 

Sessions and schedule subject to change.
Speakers
avatar for Yasmine Abbasakoor

Yasmine Abbasakoor

Executive in Charge of Development, Unscripted, CBC Television & CBC Gem
As Executive in Charge of Unscripted Development Yasmine works with independent producers to develop factual and documentary programming for CBC. She also serves as a production executive on Bollywed & Locals Welcome. Prior to joining the CBC she worked within Canada’s independent... Read More →
avatar for Brad Danks

Brad Danks

CEO, OUTtv
Brad Danks, J.D. is the CEO of OUTtv Network Inc. and OUTtv Media Global Inc. (collectively
OUTtv), the world’s leading streamer and commissioner of LGBTQ2S+ content. A former
entertainment lawyer with a distinguished practice representing U.S. and international
studios, broadcast... Read More →
avatar for Sylvi Fekete

Sylvi Fekete

Content Development Pacific, AMI-tv
An accomplished television and radio professional with over 20 years’
experience in both programming and developing original content for
broadcast on AMI media platforms.

Based in Vancouver, Sylvi is committed to building partnerships with BC
based producers, content creators with... Read More →
avatar for Sarah Jane Flynn

Sarah Jane Flynn

Director of Independent Production and Business Affairs, Knowledge Network
Sarah Jane is a leading media executive with two decades of experience in developing, producing and programming hit content for television and digital platforms.  Sarah Jane has held senior roles in large production companies and at Canada’s leading broadcasting entities. She is... Read More →
avatar for Dora Fong

Dora Fong

Production Executive, Original Programming, Unscripted, Corus Entertainment
Dora Fong is an award-winning production executive, showrunner, and director, with hundreds of hours
of programming credits. With over 20 years in the industry, her experience spans true crime to
makeovers, real estate to renos, and competition to travelogue. Having produced some o... Read More →
avatar for Sam Linton

Sam Linton

VP, Production and Development, Global Media, Blue Ant Media
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... Read More →
avatar for Cara Nye

Cara Nye

Director, Content Development and Production, AMI-tv
Cara Nye is a media executive dedicated to authentic, inclusive storytelling. Since
joining AMI-tv in 2012, she has built a strong track record in Canadian broadcasting,
developing a range of impactful series including Pretty Blind, We Were Broncos, Crip
Trip, and Underdog Inc. Cara... Read More →
avatar for Jessica Schmiedchen

Jessica Schmiedchen

Director of Development, Unscripted Content, CBC Television & CBC Gem
Jessica oversees development of original content and formats in the genres of factual, entertainment and documentary series at CBC and CBC Gem. She is responsible for sourcing the best new formats from around the world, and working with the independent production community in Canada... Read More →
avatar for Ken Tsui

Ken Tsui

Senior Production Executive, TELUS Originals
Ken Tsui is a Production Executive for TELUS originals, a Western Canadian documentary and docuseries funding program that focuses on impactful health, environmental, community and connectivity stories. Our films reach audiences on TELUS Optik TV, Paramount+, CBC, TVO and at film... Read More →
avatar for Cole Vandale

Cole Vandale

Development and Scripted Production Executive, APTN
Born and raised in Invermere, B.C., and a proud member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Cole Vandale is a filmmaker with over 10 years of experience in the entertainment industry. He began his career as a performer, later moving behind the camera and eventually expanding into writing... Read More →
avatar for Heather Williamson

Heather Williamson

Senior Development and Productive Executive, Original Programming, Factual & Reality, Bell Media
As Senior Development and Production Executive for Bell Media’s Original Programming, Factual and Reality, Heather Williamson finds high stakes factual series across all Bell Media services and oversees a development and production slate that includes, MARK MCKINNEY NEEDS A HOBBY... Read More →
Wednesday September 30, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
ICBC Concourse (Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue) 580 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1L6

10:30am PDT

From Idea to Greenlight: Developing & Pitching
Wednesday September 30, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Join us to discover how to take a great idea all the way to greenlight. We’ll cover spotting and shaping standout concepts, pitching like a pro, and navigating everything that happens between pitch and commission — plus what the “after greenlight” process really looks like. Packed with practical, insider tips, this session is perfect for anyone ready to turn their idea from spark to screen!
Speakers
avatar for Mike Armitage

Mike Armitage

Executive Producer / VP of Development, Great Pacific Media
Mike Armitage has nearly 20 years of experience in television development. He helped launch and run CBC’s Dragons’ Den (Seasons 1–7), earning two Canadian Screen Awards and a Gemini. Now with Great Pacific Media, he develops and produces unscripted series for the Discovery Channel, History Channel, Netflix, Food Network, HGTV, CBC, Blue Ant Media, and CBC Radio. His work spans food competition formats... Read More →
avatar for Liam Cripps

Liam Cripps

Director of Development, Great Pacific Media
With 15 years of development experience, Liam has an extensive track record in both unscripted and scripted programming. As Director of Development at Great Pacific Media, Liam works on a diverse slate of projects spanning a variety of genres, including factual, social experiment... Read More →
Wednesday September 30, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Asia Pacific Hall (Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue) 580 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1L6

10:30am PDT

Where Care Meets Story – Aligning Cast Management and Story Development
Wednesday September 30, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
In this workshop, we explore the vital intersection between Cast Management and the Story Department—two departments that, when working in harmony, create authentic, emotionally rich storytelling while prioritizing the well-being of participants.

Participants will learn how Cast Management and the Story Department collaborate to build trust, develop meaningful narratives, and ensure that each story is told with integrity, empathy, and responsibility. We’ll uncover how personal experiences are shaped into narrative arcs, the ethical considerations involved, and the systems in place to protect cast members throughout the process.

Sessions and schedule subject to change.
Speakers
avatar for Gaby Jones

Gaby Jones

Supervising Producer
Gaby Jones is a Los Angeles based Supervising Producer known for crafting elevated,
character driven unscripted storytelling. Her work spans major networks and platforms
including Million Dollar Secret and Age of Attraction (Netflix), Deal or No Deal Island (NBC), The
Parent Test an... Read More →
avatar for Taylor Prevost

Taylor Prevost

Taylor Prevost is a cast manager in unscripted reality television from Vancouver, British Columbia. She’s worked on hit series such as Ink Master, Million Dollar Secret, The Bachelor and 90 Day Fiancé for a variety of networks including Netflix, TLC and Paramount+. She’s passionate... Read More →
Wednesday September 30, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 320 (Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue) 580 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1L6

11:30am PDT

Break
Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:30am - 11:45am PDT
Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:30am - 11:45am PDT
Belzberg Atrium (Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue) 580 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1L6

11:45am PDT

Case Study: Crip Trip
Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:45am - 1:00pm PDT
Join AMI, Showrunner Dylan Wertz, and on-screen talent Daniel Ennett — a quadruple amputee — and his best friend–turned–first-time caregiver Frederick Kroetsch, as they share what it’s really like being both the faces and the filmmakers behind Crip Trip. They’ll reveal how they’re keeping Season 2 of their hit road trip series fresh, fearless, and full of purpose — from working authentically with the disabled community (and steering clear of “inspiration porn”) to shining a light on caregivers and driving real social change. This session dives into how bold, inclusive storytelling can entertain, challenge, and truly make an impact.

Sessions and schedule subject to change.
Speakers
avatar for Daniel Ennett

Daniel Ennett

Filmmaker, Artist, Disability Advocate
Daniel Ennett is a filmmaker, artist, and disability advocate from Amiskwacîwâskahikan (ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ, so-called Edmonton). An above-elbow/knee quadruple amputee, Daniel’s work challenges perceptions of disability through raw storytelling and striking v... Read More →
avatar for Frederick Kroetsch

Frederick Kroetsch

Producer
Frederick is an Edmonton-based producer known for his eclectic work in documentary. This includes Dangerous Breed: Crime. Cons. Cats. (NBCUniversal), Queen of the Oil Patch (APTN), Last of the Fur Traders (AMI-tv).

He has also directed numerous broadcast TV-series such as Push (CB... Read More →
avatar for Cara Nye

Cara Nye

Director, Content Development and Production, AMI-tv
Cara Nye is a media executive dedicated to authentic, inclusive storytelling. Since
joining AMI-tv in 2012, she has built a strong track record in Canadian broadcasting,
developing a range of impactful series including Pretty Blind, We Were Broncos, Crip
Trip, and Underdog Inc. Cara... Read More →
avatar for Dylan Wertz

Dylan Wertz

Writer, Producer, Director
Dylan Wertz is a five time award losing writer / producer / director who has been working in the Canadian television industry for over two decades. He cut his teeth writing for the #1 series Corner Gas (CTV) before moving on to scribe some of the best-known comedies of the early aughts... Read More →
Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:45am - 1:00pm PDT
Room 320 (Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue) 580 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1L6

11:45am PDT

Reality Check: Crafting Reality TV with Story and Direction
Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:45am - 1:00pm PDT
Join Harb Singh and Andy Thomas as they explore the essential collaboration between story and direction that brings reality TV to life. In this session, they’ll reveal how their unique roles must work in harmony to create compelling, must-see moments on screen. From shaping narrative arcs to guiding on-the-fly creativity, Harb and Andy will share the behind-the-scenes magic that happens when story and direction align. Get ready for insights on how this powerful partnership drives great TV—and how they make it happen, every time.

Sessions and schedule subject to change.
Speakers
avatar for Harbinder Singh

Harbinder Singh

Freelance Director/Producer
Harbinder Singh is a cinematic multi-camera television director/producer with over 20 years of television production experience. Having gained immense knowledge and experience from working on Canada’s biggest television shows, Harbinder has worked on everything from daily live lifestyle... Read More →
avatar for Andy Thomas

Andy Thomas

Executive Producer
Hailing from the valley’s of South Wales, UK - Andy fled the British shores for the California coastline all for a girl & has built a successful career in unscripted television. Working across various genres, from doc-series, to gameshows, to competition reality - story is at the... Read More →
Wednesday September 30, 2026 11:45am - 1:00pm PDT
Asia Pacific Hall (Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue) 580 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1L6

1:00pm PDT

Lunch
Wednesday September 30, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Wednesday September 30, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
ICBC Concourse (Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue) 580 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1L6

2:00pm PDT

The Art of the Cut: A Masterclass in Editing and Post
Wednesday September 30, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Join Tony Simmons, editor, and Andy Thomas, executive producer, as they pull back the curtain on editing some of the biggest reality formats from the US, UK, and Canada. In this masterclass, Tony and Andy will offer a unique perspective on the editorial process, sharing invaluable insights on how they craft high-energy, high-stakes moments that make global audiences tune in. From pacing and tone to lightning-fast turnarounds, they’ll dive into what it truly takes to cut top-tier reality TV. Whether you're an aspiring editor or just curious about what happens behind the scenes, this session will arm you with the tips and tricks that power some of the world’s most iconic shows.

Sessions and schedule subject to change.
Speakers
avatar for Tony Simmons

Tony Simmons

Editor
Tony Simmons is a highly experienced television editor with nearly 30 years in the industry. Trained in post-production at the BBC in London, where he spent eight years, Tony went on to build a distinguished freelance career specializing in multi-camera reality and talent “shiny... Read More →
avatar for Andy Thomas

Andy Thomas

Executive Producer
Hailing from the valley’s of South Wales, UK - Andy fled the British shores for the California coastline all for a girl & has built a successful career in unscripted television. Working across various genres, from doc-series, to gameshows, to competition reality - story is at the... Read More →
Wednesday September 30, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 320 (Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue) 580 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1L6

2:00pm PDT

The Future of Television Distribution: From Streaming Shakeups to the Hybrid Era
Wednesday September 30, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Where is television headed next — and what must Canada and British Columbia do to keep up?

In this candid and forward-looking session, Brad Danks, CEO of OUTtv, unpacks the major forces reshaping global TV distribution — from the shift toward hybrid models that blend streaming, FAST, and traditional platforms, to the transformative impact of AI on content discovery, monetization, and production.

Brad will explore how these shifts are redefining how producers develop, finance, and retain ownership of intellectual property, and how new models of rights management and distribution can unlock greater long-term value for creators. He will also examine the policy and regulatory changes needed — including how the CRTC and provincial governments such as British Columbia can play a proactive role in building a globally competitive, export-driven media sector.

Expect a fast-moving discussion that connects global market realities with Canada’s unique challenges — and offers a clear view of where television distribution, production, and ownership are headed in the next 3–5 years.

Moderated by David Way, CEO, Great Pacific Media. 

Sessions and schedule subject to change.
Speakers
avatar for Brad Danks

Brad Danks

CEO, OUTtv
Brad Danks, J.D. is the CEO of OUTtv Network Inc. and OUTtv Media Global Inc. (collectively
OUTtv), the world’s leading streamer and commissioner of LGBTQ2S+ content. A former
entertainment lawyer with a distinguished practice representing U.S. and international
studios, broadcast... Read More →
avatar for David Way

David Way

CEO, Great Pacific Media
As CEO of Great Pacific Media, David leads one of Canada’s top producers of factual and unscripted content. Based in Vancouver, he oversees the company’s strategic growth, creative direction, and business operations, fostering a collaborative culture dedicated to excellence in... Read More →
Wednesday September 30, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Asia Pacific Hall (Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue) 580 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1L6

3:00pm PDT

Break
Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:00pm - 3:15pm PDT
Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:00pm - 3:15pm PDT
Belzberg Atrium (Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue) 580 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1L6

3:15pm PDT

Controlled Chaos: Keeping Productions Healthy and Safe
Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
This workshop explores how Producers and the Safety Department work in tandem to create a set that is not only efficient and on-budget, but also physically and emotionally safe for cast and crew. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how safety planning, risk assessment, scheduling, and creative decision-making intersect—and how early collaboration leads to stronger outcomes for production and people.

Sessions and schedule subject to change.
Speakers
avatar for Caleigh Hoot

Caleigh Hoot

Safety Advisor
Caleigh Hoot is a Canadian Registered Safety Technician with an Advanced Safety Management Diploma from BCIT and an educational background in psychology and occupational health and safety. Over the past five years, she has worked as a safety professional in the film and television... Read More →
avatar for Brian Shannon

Brian Shannon

Risk and Safety Consultant
Brian Shannon is a passionate, driven, and adaptable backcountry guide, instructor, and mountain safety specialist based out of Squamish, BC. Drawing on his nine years of professional experience guiding technical mountaineering trips, Brian also works to provide solutions for a variety... Read More →
avatar for Jeff Wonnenberg

Jeff Wonnenberg

Director, Industry Education & Training, Actsafe
Jeff is a seasoned producer, business affairs specialist and occupational health & safety professional in the Canadian motion picture and performing arts industries. He has successfully delivered numerous flagship live action productions, ranging from unscripted documentary, lifestyle... Read More →
Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Room 320 (Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue) 580 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1L6

3:15pm PDT

From Format to Phenomenon: How The Assembly Flips the Script
Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Join us for a candid conversation with local production company Small Army and CBC as they dive into how they took the global hit format The Assembly and  reimagined it for Canadian audiences. Discover how they identify which international formats resonate locally, what it really takes to adapt a global success for Canadian viewers and broadcasters, and why flipping the script and putting neurodivergent voices and perspectives front and centre makes for bold, authentic, and truly unforgettable television.

Sessions and schedule subject to change.
Speakers
avatar for Jessica Schmiedchen

Jessica Schmiedchen

Director of Development, Unscripted Content, CBC Television & CBC Gem
Jessica oversees development of original content and formats in the genres of factual, entertainment and documentary series at CBC and CBC Gem. She is responsible for sourcing the best new formats from around the world, and working with the independent production community in Canada... Read More →
avatar for Sean De Vries

Sean De Vries

Owner & Executive Producer
Sean is an award winning producer, writer, and director. Over the past 15 years, he has created and run more than 200 hours of television for major networks across Canada and around the world. He is a specialist at creating and running large scale reality, social experiment, documentary... Read More →
Wednesday September 30, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Asia Pacific Hall (Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue) 580 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1L6

4:15pm PDT

Break
Wednesday September 30, 2026 4:15pm - 4:30pm PDT
Wednesday September 30, 2026 4:15pm - 4:30pm PDT
Belzberg Atrium (Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue) 580 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1L6

4:30pm PDT

Show Me the Money: Creative Financing in Canada
Wednesday September 30, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Join local production company Tyson Media for a candid conversation with leading Canadian broadcasters as they dive into the current state of the industry. This panel will explore the evolving landscape of financing in Canada, the challenges producers face, and how broadcaster mandates are shifting. From passion projects to patchwork funding, it’s a real look at what it takes to get content made today — and where the money’s really coming from.

Sessions and schedule subject to change.
Speakers
avatar for Yasmine Abbasakoor

Yasmine Abbasakoor

Executive in Charge of Development, Unscripted, CBC Television & CBC Gem
As Executive in Charge of Unscripted Development Yasmine works with independent producers to develop factual and documentary programming for CBC. She also serves as a production executive on Bollywed & Locals Welcome. Prior to joining the CBC she worked within Canada’s independent... Read More →
avatar for Dora Fong

Dora Fong

Production Executive, Original Programming, Unscripted, Corus Entertainment
Dora Fong is an award-winning production executive, showrunner, and director, with hundreds of hours
of programming credits. With over 20 years in the industry, her experience spans true crime to
makeovers, real estate to renos, and competition to travelogue. Having produced some o... Read More →
avatar for Tyson Hepburn

Tyson Hepburn

Executive Producer, President, Tyson Media
Tyson Hepburn is an award-winning television producer, creator, and director known for crafting compelling, character-driven factual series that resonate with global audiences. With a passion for storytelling and a knack for finding unique perspectives, Tyson has built a reputation... Read More →
avatar for Sam Linton

Sam Linton

VP, Production and Development, Global Media, Blue Ant Media
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... Read More →
avatar for Ed de Rivaz

Ed de Rivaz

Senior Vice President, Factual & Series, Tyson Media
Ed has been developing and producing factual content in Canada and the United States for 15+ years, working on both the producer side (BBC Worldwide Productions, Anaid Productions, Great Pacific Media, Tyson Media) and buyer side (History Channel US). Some of the shows he has developed... Read More →
avatar for Heather Williamson

Heather Williamson

Senior Development and Productive Executive, Original Programming, Factual & Reality, Bell Media
As Senior Development and Production Executive for Bell Media’s Original Programming, Factual and Reality, Heather Williamson finds high stakes factual series across all Bell Media services and oversees a development and production slate that includes, MARK MCKINNEY NEEDS A HOBBY... Read More →
Wednesday September 30, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Asia Pacific Hall (Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue) 580 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1L6

5:30pm PDT

FactualWEST Closing Reception
Wednesday September 30, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Join us as we celebrate and close out the 10th edition of FactualWEST.

Sessions and schedule subject to change.
Sponsors
Wednesday September 30, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Belzberg Atrium (Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue) 580 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1L6
 
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.
Filtered by Date -