Name: 1:1 Network Pitches Sponsored by CMPA-BC
Start: 2026-09-30T10:30:00-0700
End: 2026-09-30T11:30:00-0700

1:1 Network Pitches Sponsored by CMPA-BC

Wednesday September 30, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT

ICBC Concourse (Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue)

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

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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

FactualWEST 2026