Presented by the CMPA

In this candid chat we’ll examine different considerations in building your IP Strategy to capitalize on emerging opportunities, while safeguarding successful models. Our esteemed panelists will share their insights on adapting to the current market, when and how, and if that’s even a good idea. What can we learn from other sectors or countries that can help instruct us in finding new (and old) ways to bolster sustained economic dividends?

MODERATOR

Liz Shorten, Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA)

Liz Shorten has been working to build capacity in Canada’s film, television and digital media sectors for over 25 years. In her role at the CMPA, Liz oversees all CMPA offices and provides strategic advice on industry policies and strategies. Liz previously held senior positions at the Ontario Film Development Corporation (Ontario Creates), British Columbia Film (Creative BC), and CBC Television.

Nationally, Liz sits on the Board of Directors of Reel Canada and is Chair of the Story Money Impact Society. In BC, she is Secretary/Treasurer of the Pacific Screenwriting Program. Liz was a founding Board member of the Crazy8’s Film Society and a Co-founder of Women in View. She was recently named “Woman of the Year” by Women in Film and Television Vancouver and “Industry Champion” by the Whistler Film Festival in recognition of her leadership role in the film and television industry.

PANELISTS

Aron Levitz, Head of Wattpad Studios

As Head of Wattpad Studios, Aron Levitz connects the entertainment and publishing industries with new voices and original content on Wattpad. Leveraging data and community insights, Aron works with the industry to co-produce Wattpad stories for film, television, print and digital formats.

Previously, as Head of Business Development, Aron helped establish the company’s monetization strategy and launched Wattpad Brand Stories, a native advertising solution. He was also instrumental in launching the Wattpad Stars program that gives top influencers access to a variety of opportunities.

Erin Finlay, Partner, Stohn Hay Cafazzo Dembroski Richmond LLP

Erin is a partner with Stohn Hay Cafazzo Dembroski Richmond LLP where she practises in the areas of entertainment law, copyright, privacy, broadcast regulatory and cultural policy. She provides a wide range of legal services and strategic direction to producers, artists, musicians, authors, publishers, trade associations, copyright collectives and cultural businesses in the development, production, exploitation and protection of film, television, publishing, music and digital media projects.

Rey Mendoza, Founder / CEO, Mad Ruk Entertainment

Rey Mendoza is a die hard creative entrepreneur in Media & Entertainment, born in Toronto, Ontario.

After going to film school at the Sheridan College in Oakville, he partnered up with Mauricio Ruiz to start up Mad Ruk Entertainment, a production company specializing in music videos, branded content, Film & TV. His company has been behind globally acclaimed music videos for Eminem, Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera, The Weeknd, Ed Sheeran, Calvin Harris, French Montana, Wiz Khalifa, Miguel, Alessia Cara, Daniel Caesar and Jessie Reyez.

Mad Ruk’s work has gained billions of views online with numerous awards & nominations such as a Cannes Lions, MTV Awards, Much Music Video Awards, UK Video Music Awards, Juno Awards, Prism Prizes, Vimeo Staff Picks, Vimeo Top Video of the year, and Billboard + Rolling Stones Magazine Top videos of the year.

Vinay Virmani, Chief Content Officer at UNINTERRUPTED

Vinay Virmani is a graduate of Toronto’s York University, known for its progressive programs in media, arts and performance. Also a student of the esteemed Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in New York City, Vinay is the Founder of the Toronto film and TV production company First Take Entertainment.

His deep connection to film and experience in acting, writing and production were elemental in the creation of First Take Entertainment. Driven by the belief that diversity in storytelling is the future of the film industry’s ability to give life to real stories that span time and culture, First Take Entertainment was created in the spirit of connecting people to compelling stories no matter where they are in the world.

Featured as a panelist on CBC’s Canada Reads the annual Battle of the Books, the creative visioneer has broken social, cultural and professional barriers in a highly competitive industry that continues to surprise us.

As the content industry continues to evolve, so does Vinay’s vision. His latest appointment as Partner & Chief Content Officer with Uninterrupted, the joint venture founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter marks an industry turning point as the highly publicized expansion moves into the Canadian market accompanied by a partnership with Drake.Vinay’s latest role with Uninterrupted brings promise to the country’s most celebrated and diverse group of athletes. Uninterrupted is a valuable creative endeavour that will offer athletes the right platform to share their unique stories and authentic experiences with an audience that’s ready to be inspired.