FactualWEST 2020: Full Schedule

1:00pm PST

FactualWEST WELCOME & The Future of Factual Broadcaster Panel

Friday November 6, 2020 1:00pm - 2:30pm PST

Moderators

John Ritchie

Screen Door Entertainment

With over thirty years of experience, John Ritchie has overseen the creation of more than 500 hours of
documentary and scripted films, television series and one-offs through his company Force Four
Entertainment, which was acquired by Entertainment One in 2014. John is now heading h... Read More →

Speakers

Kathleen Meek

Manager, Original Content, Drama and Factual, CORUS Entertainment

Kathleen Meek is Manager, Original Content, Drama and Factual for Corus Entertainment. In
this capacity, she is responsible for a portfolio of original scripted and factual series for Global
Television, History® Canada, Showcase and W. She is production executive on Global’s new
... Read More →

Christina Willings

Supervising Producer, TELUS STORYHIVE/TELUS Originals

Christina is a Supervising Producer for the TELUS original stream of content, where she commissions mid-length and long form documentary for TELUS Optik TV and web platforms. TELUS orginals’ recent titles include long form documentary Dark Cloud: The High Cost of Cyberbullying... Read More →

Nancy Chapelle

Executive Director, Bell Fund

Appointed in 2015, Nancy is the Executive Director of the Bell Fund, a private independent production fund. Since 1997, the Fund has received over $200 million in financial contributions from Bell TV to support the development and production of high- quality Canadian content. Previously... Read More →

Andrew Morris

Development and Production Executive, Accessible Media Inc.

Andrew Morris is a Development and Production Executive at Accessible Media Inc. (AMI), a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. In his role, Andrew oversees all independent productions from
concept to deliv... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2020 1:00pm - 2:30pm PST

Live Streamed

2:30pm PST

Broadcaster Networking

Friday November 6, 2020 2:30pm - 3:30pm PST

Using the networking feature in our conference platform, connect with our Broadcasters for one-on-one video chats - pitch an idea, ask a question or just say "hello."

Speakers

Kathleen Meek

Manager, Original Content, Drama and Factual, CORUS Entertainment

Christina Willings

Supervising Producer, TELUS STORYHIVE/TELUS Originals

Nancy Chapelle

Executive Director, Bell Fund

Andrew Morris

Development and Production Executive, Accessible Media Inc.

Friday November 6, 2020 2:30pm - 3:30pm PST

Live Streamed

2:30pm PST

The Importance of Representation in the Edit Suite

Friday November 6, 2020 2:30pm - 3:30pm PST

Senior unscripted producer, story editor and former unscripted production executive at Corus, Margot Daley, will discuss the importance of representation in the edit suite. The edit suite has the most direct influence and sway on what makes the final 44 mins. Story Editors need to be aware that they aren’t pushing old narratives and have to be sensitive about how people who almost never get a...
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Speakers

Margot Daley

Producer

Margot is a Toronto-based senior unscripted producer and senior story editor with more than 25 years of industry experience. She’s also a former director and former production executive at Corus Entertainment where she helped oversee the development and launch of more than 150 hours... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2020 2:30pm - 3:30pm PST

Live Streamed

3:30pm PST

Masterclass - Finding the Diamonds in the Rough in the Editing Room

Friday November 6, 2020 3:30pm - 5:00pm PST

Any episode of TV is only as strong as its weakest scene. That’s why, when delivering a cut, you need to make every scene a showstopper. But what do you do when the footage just isn’t there? You need this scene to get your story from A to B, but the coverage is weak, the main players are out of focus, and there is no conflict happening between action and cut… How do you take this...
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Speakers

Andy Bely

Editor

Andy is a Vancouver based editor, working mainly in factual and documentary storytelling. Recent series include RUST VALLEY RESTORERS (History/Netflix), JADE FEVER (Discovery), The Age of A.I. (Youtube) WILD BEAR RESCUE (Animal Planet / Discovery), HITLER’S LAST STAND (National... Read More →

Dylan Wertz

Writer/Director/Producer

Dylan Wertz is a writer/director/ producer with over 15 years of experience in both scripted and unscripted television.

His recent work includes producing/directing the upcoming CTV series Holmes Family Effect, writing for season 4 of The Comedy Network's Corner Gas Animated, a... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2020 3:30pm - 5:00pm PST

Live Streamed

3:30pm PST

Masterclass - The Perfect Pitch with Seed & Spark's Emily Best

Friday November 6, 2020 3:30pm - 5:00pm PST

INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Seed&Spark’s Emily Best connects you with what you really want to do with your career - that big, hairy, audacious goal - and how to frame the pitch for your current project in service of your larger goals. You'll walk through each step of crafting an exceptional pitch, and how to craft the right story for investors, executives, audiences and more.

Speakers

Emily Best

CEO, Seed & Spark

Emily Best is the founder and CEO of Seed&Spark, a platform that bridges online and offline experiences to make entertainment more diverse, inclusive, connected and essential. She has raised millions in investment and crowdfunding, secured large brand partnerships, and built a world-class team for Seed&Spark. In addition to her work at Seed&Spark, she has produced films, series and VR projects that have premiered at Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca and more. Her... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2020 3:30pm - 5:00pm PST

Live Streamed

5:00pm PST

The Social Dilemma: A Conversation with Jeff Orlowski

Friday November 6, 2020 5:00pm - 6:00pm PST

The Social Dilemma has quickly become one of the most talked about documentaries of 2020. Currently airing on Netflix, this documentary-drama explores the dangerous human impact of social networking, with tech experts sounding the alarm on their own creations. Join writer/director Jeff Orlowski as he recounts how he became aware of the dilemma social media creates and why he chose to unravel it...
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Moderators

David Gullason

Executive & Series Producer, Omnifilm

David Gullason is a showrunner, producer, and executive producer with over 20 years experience in television. His recent projects with Omnifilm include the seventh season of JADE FEVER (Discovery Canada), the third season of WILD BEAR RESCUE (Animal Planet Canada) and DINOSAUR COLD... Read More →

Speakers

Jeff Orlowski

Director/Producer/Cinematographer, Exposure Labs

Jeff Orlowski is the director, producer, and cinematographer of the award-winning films Chasing Coral and Chasing Ice. Chasing Coral received the US Documentary Audience Award at Sundance in 2017. Chasing Ice received the Documentary Cinematography award at Sundance in 2012 and was... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2020 5:00pm - 6:00pm PST

Live Streamed

6:00pm PST

Virtual Cocktail Class with Lavish Liquid

Friday November 6, 2020 6:00pm - 7:00pm PST

Join FactualWEST for their first interactive virtual cocktail class. In this hands-on class, taught by one of the expert Bar Cart Educators, participants will learn how to make two classic gin cocktails:1. Southside2. Gin MuleCocktail kits and equipment will be delivered on Thursday, November 5th between 11am — 5pm. The Gin Cocktail Class will be hosted on Friday, November 6th at 6...
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Friday November 6, 2020 6:00pm - 7:00pm PST

Live Streamed

9:00am PST

Mindfulness Session with Marian Smith, Mindful Living

Saturday November 7, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am PST

Mindfulness for Stress Reduction and Self-CareMarian Smith and Brett Peterson are Registered Clinical Counsellors and certified mindfulnessteachers who have been facilitating Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction programs since 2002.Together we will explore mindfulness and how it positively impacts stress, anxiety and even ourimmunity! We will guide you through a range of mindfulness practices that...
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Saturday November 7, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am PST

Pre-Recorded

10:00am PST

Case Study: The Oland Murder

Saturday November 7, 2020 10:00am - 11:30am PST

The Oland Murder is fascinating 4 part series with all of the essential elements needed for any true crime saga: alleged police misconduct, financial scandal, gossip, infidelity, and murder. In 2011, multi-millionaire Richard Oland of the Moosehead Brewing family in New Brunswick was found bludgeoned to death. His son, Dennis, quickly became the police’s prime suspect. In 2015 he was...
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Speakers

Deb Wainwright

Director/Writer, Young Minds Entertainment Inc.

Deborah is an award-winning director and Gemini and Canadian Screen Award nominated producer who has been working in Vancouver’s television production industry since 1986. She has worked in most genres, from children’s shows (Sesame Street Canada) and music specials (The Canadian... Read More →

Laurie Case

Producer, Case Communications

With a combined 30 years of experience in film and television, Laurie is an accomplished senior producer in Vancouver’s television market.

Most recently Case held the reigns as series producer on the highly anticipated 4 part series for CBC “The Oland Murder,” which follows... Read More →

Nicole Lawson

Producer

Nicole Lawson was the Director of Development at Force Four Entertainment for 5 years,
joining the development department as a producer in 2007. During her years there she spent a
year gaining exclusive access to Canada Border Services Agency that eventually led to one of
one of the... Read More →

Trevor Hodgson

Executive Producer, First Look Media

Trevor has executive produced, produced and provided business affairs services on dramatic feature films, dramatic scripted and unscripted series, and animated features and series for over 20 years. Trevor was one of the producers on The Oland Murder (internationally known a... Read More →

Saturday November 7, 2020 10:00am - 11:30am PST

Live Streamed

12:00pm PST

Drag Race Canada - Formats!

Saturday November 7, 2020 12:00pm - 1:00pm PST

Join us for a ‘herstorical’ conversation with Executive Producer of RuPaul’s Drag Race and Canada’s Drag Race, and co-founder of World of Wonder Fenton Bailey.In this session learn how the iconic and well-loved series was produced in association with Blue Ant Studios and how did all the parties negotiate bringing Canada’s Drag Race, True North Strong and Fierce edition of the Emmy...
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Moderators

Kate Green

KGP Films

Kate has worked on numerous programs in lifestyle and factual television as a producer or director. Her work has aired on various networks such as HGTV, W Network, CBC, History, Fuel TV, and Slice. Kate’s first documentary, Not A Stranger, won the Audience Choice Award at the V... Read More →

Speakers

Tracey Pearce

President, Distribution and Pay, CRAVE

With a career spanning more than 25 years, Tracey Pearce is an accomplished, award-winning
media executive whose experience covers many facets of the industry, including creative
development, programming, digital, strategy, legal and business affairs, as well as content
distribution... Read More →

Laura Michalchyshyn

CCO and Co-President, Content Production, Blue Ant

Laura Michalchyshyn is Chief Creative Officer, Blue Ant Media & Co-President, Content Production, Blue Ant Studios. In this role, she oversees creative content across multiple Blue Ant Media businesses while co-managing and growing Blue Ant Studios with a focus on the production slate... Read More →

Fenton Bailey

Co-Founder/Executive Producer, World of Wonder

Fenton Bailey is co-founder of World of Wonder, the award-winning, multi-platform production company behind RuPaul’s Drag Race, the Million Dollar Listing franchise, Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures, and over 20 years of groundbreaking unscripted, scripted and documentary content. Alongside co-founder Randy Barbato, Bailey became a trailblazer in Hollywood by creating provocative documentaries and series that give a voice to outsiders and marginalized communities. Bailey and... Read More →

Saturday November 7, 2020 12:00pm - 1:00pm PST

Pre-Recorded

1:00pm PST

Fireside Chat with Scout Production's Rob Eric

Saturday November 7, 2020 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST

Rob is an Emmy Award winning television producer, film producer and author who has developed and created media for both large and small screens. As the Creative Director for Scout Productions in Los Angeles, he is often the person who guides the project from conception to completion. Join us for this casual conversation with Rob as he discusses creating content that balances Scout’s mandate of...
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Moderators

David Way

President, Great Pacific Media

David Way’s career in unscripted media spans from science consultant, to writer, director, host, series
producer, and executive producer. David trained as a molecular geneticist at McMaster University and The
Banting and Best Department of Medical Research (UOT).

As President of G... Read More →

Speakers

Rob Eric

Creative Director, Scout Productions

Rob Eric is an Emmy Award winning television producer, film producer and author who has developed and created media for screens large and small alongside producing partners Michael Williams and David Collins for over ten years. He has produced for Netflix, NBC Universal, ABC, Bravo... Read More →

Saturday November 7, 2020 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST

Live Streamed

1:00pm PST

The Shows That Never Happened Contest

Saturday November 7, 2020 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST

During our lunch break delegates will have the opportunity to check out our virtual exhibit hall where they will find 'The Shows that Never Happened' booth. Watch the sizzle reels for the shows that got the thumbs down from broadcasters. Delegates will have the chance to be the decision maker and vote for their favorite sizzle and the show that should have gotten the green light. Grand prize...
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Saturday November 7, 2020 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST

Pre-Recorded

2:00pm PST

Roundtable Sessions with Mentors

Saturday November 7, 2020 2:00pm - 3:00pm PST

Speakers

Margot Daley

Producer

Rob Hardy

Series Producer, EQ Media Group

Robert Hardy is Executive Producer for EQ Media Group Canada. He is a seasoned television writer & producer, and showrunner of EQ Media Canada’s series Big Timber (HISTORY). Robert has extensive experience in documentary, factual, comedy and drama. He played a key role in the creation... Read More →

Mark Miller

CEO, Great Pacific Media

Mark Miller’s award-winning work for networks such as CBC, Animal Planet, and Discovery Channel has taken him to every corner of the world for adventures that inspire, educate and occasionally terrify. As one of North America’s most prolific content producers, Mark has established... Read More →

John Ritchie

Screen Door Entertainment

Saturday November 7, 2020 2:00pm - 3:00pm PST

Live Streamed

3:00pm PST

Case Study: Big Timber

Saturday November 7, 2020 3:00pm - 4:00pm PST

The newest and most successful 'men tv' to History Channel's roster is the Locally shot and produced series Big Timber. Big Timber follows the dangerous work of logger and sawmill owner Kevin Wenstob as he and his crew go to extremes to keep the family sawmill, and their way of life, alive. In this session hear Executive Producer Series Producer Robert Hardy, Executive in Charge of Production,...
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Speakers

Stephanie Rosloski

Senior Story Editor

Stephanie Rosloski is a Story Editor and Director that has been working in Factual for over 15 years. Some of Stephanie’s recent credits include: First Dates (SLICE), Mind Set Go (AMI), Big Timber (HISTORY) and The Oland Murder (CBC). Stephanie’s passionate about storytelling... Read More →

Rob Hardy

Series Producer, EQ Media Group

Andrew Johnson

Executive in Charge of Production, Original Content - Factual, CORUS

Andrew Johnson helps develop & commission factual & documentary programming for Corus channels HISTORY and Global. He has overseen current & recent programs like Rust Valley Restorers, History Erased, 100 Days to Victory, Border Security, Hunting Nazi Treasure, Yukon Gold, Real V... Read More →

Saturday November 7, 2020 3:00pm - 4:00pm PST

Live Streamed

4:00pm PST

In Conversation with Love on the Spectrum's Cian O'clery

Saturday November 7, 2020 4:00pm - 5:00pm PST

Finding Love can be hard for anyone. For young adults on the autism spectrum exploring the unpredictable world of dating is even more complicated. End your day of workshops by joining Cian O’Cleary, Series Producer and Director of Love on the Spectrum for an intimate and uplifting discussion on the making of the show that has stolen our hearts.

Moderators

Andrew Morris

Development and Production Executive, Accessible Media Inc.

Speakers

Cian O'clery

Director & Producer

Cian is a two time Australian Directors Guild award-winning director and producer. He is the co-creator and series director of Love On The Spectrum, following the stories of young adults on the autism spectrum as they navigate the world of dating and relationships. Originally made... Read More →

Saturday November 7, 2020 4:00pm - 5:00pm PST

Live Streamed

5:00pm PST

FactualWEST Closing Remarks

Saturday November 7, 2020 5:00pm - 5:15pm PST

Pre-Recorded

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