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Legendary creator Chuck Lorre to deliver keynote at 2025 Banff World Media Festival

From a media release:

The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) is thrilled to announce that award-winning creator, executive producer, and writer Chuck Lorre will be a keynote speaker for its 2025 BANFF Summit Series. The 46th annual event will take place June 8–11, 2025, at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alberta, Canada.

The BANFF Summit Series, launched in 2019, has become the festival’s flagship program, spotlighting transformative thinkers and leaders shaping the future of media and entertainment.

“Chuck Lorre is a prolific creator who is behind some of the most memorable series and characters in modern history,” said Sean Cohan, Chair of the Board of Directors, BANFF, and President of Bell Media. “His groundbreaking work has shaped generations of storytelling, and we are excited for him to share his unique insights and experiences with the global media community at BANFF.”

Lorre is the creative force behind some of the most successful and beloved series in television history. Based at Warner Bros. Television for the last 25 years, the prolific Lorre’s series for the Studio include the long-running global blockbuster hit comedy The Big Bang Theory, its highly acclaimed spinoff Young Sheldon, and the third show in the Big Bang universe, Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, which is network TV’s #1 comedy of the 2024–25 season. His slate also features the highly anticipated upcoming comedy Leanne, starring Leanne Morgan, for Netflix. Additional Lorre series from WBTV include Bookie, Bob♥Abishola, The Kominsky Method, Mom, Mike & Molly, and Two and a Half Men, among others. Prior to his association with WBTV, Lorre created hits such as Cybill, Dharma & Greg, and Grace Under Fire, and he also served as co-executive producer on Roseanne. His contributions to television have earned him widespread recognition, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame.

As previously announced, this year’s Summit Series speakers include Anjali Sud, CEO of Tubi and Keith Le Goy, Chairman of Sony Pictures Television. Previous Summit Series speakers have included industry luminaries such as Rob Wade, Channing Dungey, Bela Bajaria, George Cheeks, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Paula Kerger, Pearlena Igbokwe, Ted Sarandos and Maverick Carter.

For the first time, the prestigious Banff Gala Awards and the Rockie Awards International Program Competition will unite in a single, must-attend event. This milestone celebration will honour both the entertainment industry’s most influential talent and business leaders, as well as the most exceptional content from around the world. Korea has been named the inaugural Country of Honour and will receive a special tribute at the Rockie Awards, further highlighting the nation’s growing global influence in entertainment. Additionally, multiple Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer will be presented with the prestigious Career Achievement Award at the Rockie Awards and will participate in an exclusive “In Conversation” panel session alongside notable composers from Bleeding Fingers Music, the multiple Emmy Award-winning and BAFTA-nominated composer collective he co-founded in 2013.

BANFF is renowned for its vibrant mix of thought leadership, networking, and deal-making opportunities that take attendees behind the scenes of the industry’s most talked-about appointments, projects, and pivots, as well as over 1,200 networking sessions and 25,000+ meetings, connecting global media professionals to foster partnerships and spark new collaborations.

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Korea named inaugural country of honour at the 2025 Banff World Media Festival

From a media release:

The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) proudly announces Korea as the first-ever Country of Honour at the 2025 festival, marking a historic milestone in the event’s esteemed history. This distinguished recognition highlights Korea’s global influence on the entertainment industry and its trailblazing producers, media companies, and content creators. The 46th annual event will take place June 8–11, 2025, at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alberta, Canada.

In partnership with the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), a distinguished delegation of Korea’s top producers, industry leaders, and acclaimed talent will attend the festival to forge international partnerships and strengthen global collaboration. The festival will feature exclusive showcases, networking opportunities, and special programming spotlighting Korea’s excellence in storytelling and content production across television, digital media, and more.

As part of the celebration, K-Content will be a focal point throughout the festival, culminating in a grand tribute at the Rockie Awards on Monday, June 9. This celebration will honor Korea’s groundbreaking creativity and cultural impact on the global media landscape.

“We are thrilled to recognize Korea as our inaugural Country of Honour,” said Jenn Kuzmyk, Executive Director, BANFF. “Korea has emerged as a powerhouse in global entertainment, captivating audiences worldwide with its innovative storytelling and world-class productions. We look forward to welcoming Korean creators to BANFF and fostering new opportunities for international collaboration.”

“Korea’s presence at BANFF underscores the strength and appeal of K-Content on a global scale,” said Yoo-Hyun-seok, Acting President of KOCCA. “We are excited to showcase the depth and diversity of our creative industry while building meaningful partnerships that will shape the future of entertainment.”

BANFF extends its gratitude to Esther Song of Song Group and Banff Television Festival Foundation Board member Jeniffer Kim for their pivotal role in making this initiative a reality.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, the Banff World Media Festival is a premier destination for media industry professionals, offering over 1,200 networking sessions, unparalleled access to deal-making, and industry insights as well as 25,000+ meetings, connecting global media professionals to foster partnerships and spark new collaborations. This year’s festival promises to be a landmark gathering, featuring forward-thinking panels and high-profile keynotes with Tubi’s CEO Anjali Sud and Sony Pictures Television Chairman Keith Le Goy.

Image courtesy of Fairmont-Banff-Springs.

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Angela Jennings and Travis Farncombe launch new production company, Skywild Pictures

From a media release:

Veteran television executive and producer Angela Jennings (MasterChef Canada, Canada’s Got Talent, Luxe Listings Toronto) joins writer and executive producer Travis Farncombe (A Translator, 13 Minutes) to announce the launch of their new production company, Skywild Pictures. Rounding out the senior leadership team is seasoned broadcast executive Tom Hastings (Cardinal, Transplant) in the role of Vice-President, Development. Based in Toronto, Skywild Pictures focuses on premium, scripted television and film that delivers captivating narratives to audiences worldwide.

“Skywild Pictures is collaborating with the top writers and creators in the industry on a slate of bold, original content,” said Angela Jennings, President and Founding Partner, Skywild Pictures. “Strategic and innovative partnerships – with both the creative community and commissioners – is the foundation of our company. With decades of experience, our team has an ambitious mandate to deliver undeniable stories and premium productions.”

As President and Founding Partner, Jennings oversees the company’s stakeholder relations and corporate development, in addition to managing creative, financial and legal strategies, and daily operations. She brings more than 25 years’ experience to her role at Skywild Pictures, having built two thriving independent production companies from the ground up and producing best-in-class hit shows for audiences worldwide. Working in both Canada and the US, Jennings has held positions as corporate president, executive producer and showrunner, producing more than 700 hours of blockbuster content created for commissioners across North America and distributed in more than 100 countries globally. She has successfully negotiated long-running partnerships with Amazon Studios and Prime Video, Bell Media, Fremantle, Banijay, Warner Bros Discovery, Corus Entertainment, Rogers Sports and Media and more.

Award-winning and well-respected creative executive, Hastings joins Skywild Pictures as Vice-President, Development, where his focus is the development and production of all original scripted series and features. Hastings brings unparalleled experience creating highly acclaimed, scripted content, including in his prior roles as Head of Original Programming at Paramount+ Canada, Director of Drama at Bell Media, and Creative Head of Drama CBC. Successes under his tenure include international Emmy award nominated series Cardinal (CTV), acclaimed medical procedural Transplant (NBC, Bell Media), as well as Wynonna Earp (Syfy, Space), 19-2 (Bravo, CTV), Being Erica (CBC), and Arctic Air (CBC). With extensive and long-standing relationships in the independent production and literary communities, Hastings is well-known and respected amongst top writers, producers, showrunners and agents.

About Skywild Pictures
Creative excellence and innovative strategy are the pillars of Skywild Pictures. We produce premium, scripted television and film, delivering captivating narratives to audiences worldwide. Based in Toronto, Skywild Pictures was founded by Travis Farncombe, CEO, and Angela Jennings, President. Tom Hastings is Vice-President, Development. This leadership team brings decades of experience in entertainment, and a distinctly innovative business and creative strategy. Skywild Pictures is uniquely positioned to compete in the rapidly changing content industry, with our exceptional corporate stability and entrepreneurial flexibility setting us apart. Collaboration and innovation are at the heart of what we do, and are reflected in our slate of bold, original projects developed with the industry’s top creative talent. skywildpictures.com

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Keith Le Goy confirmed as keynote speaker for the 2025 Banff World Media Festival

From a media release:

The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) is thrilled to announce Keith Le Goy, Chairman of Sony Pictures Television, as a keynote speaker for its 2025 BANFF Summit Series. The 46th annual event will take place June 8–11, 2025, at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alberta, Canada.

The BANFF Summit Series, launched in 2019, has become the festival’s flagship program, spotlighting transformative thinkers and leaders shaping the future of media and entertainment.

“Keith is a force of nature, a clear-headed growth driver, and a veteran of the storytelling game,” said Sean Cohan, Chair of the Board of Directors, BANFF, and President of Bell Media. “Known for a direct, positive approach, Keith’s keynote will offer insights into where our industry is headed and where the opportunities are.”

Adding to its distinguished lineup, Anjali Sud, CEO of Tubi, has also confirmed participation in the 2025 event. Previous Summit Series speakers have included industry luminaries such as Rob Wade, Channing Dungey, Bela Bajaria, George Cheeks, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Paula Kerger, Pearlena Igbokwe, Ted Sarandos and Maverick Carter.

BANFF is renowned for its vibrant mix of thought leadership, networking, and deal-making opportunities that take attendees behind the scenes of the industry’s most talked-about appointments, projects and pivots as well as over 1,200 networking sessions and 25,000+ meetings, connecting global media professionals to foster partnerships and spark new collaborations.

A key highlight of the festival is the highly anticipated Rockie Awards International Program Competition, one of the world’s most prestigious screen industry competitions. With participation from more than 45 countries annually including an international jury of 150 industry professionals, the Rockie Awards celebrate excellence across a diverse range of content. Additionally, the industry-favourite Rockies Gala will return to honor the best content and most influential entertainment industry executives, talent and creators in the world.

About Keith Le Goy
Keith Le Goy is Chairman of Sony Pictures Television (SPT), responsible for all television production operations, including SPT’s legendary game shows, as well as all television and home entertainment distribution for Sony Pictures’ film and television content, and the studio’s cable networks, such as GSN (Game Show Network), across the US, Latin America and Europe.

Sony Pictures Television (SPT) is one of the television industry’s leading content providers, producing, distributing and carrying programming worldwide in every genre and for every platform. Sony Pictures Television (SPT) produces a wide array of premium programming worldwide, including the longtime #1 and #2-rated game shows, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!, as well as The Boys, Cobra Kai, The Last of Us, S.W.A.T., Outlander, For All Mankind, Shark Tank, 90-Day Fiancé, Twisted Metal, The Night Agent, Dark Matter, and many more.

Previously, Le Goy served as Chairman of Worldwide Distribution & Networks for Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE). In this role, he led the studio’s combined television and home entertainment distribution and marketing businesses. Le Goy also oversaw SPE’s Crunchyroll anime business, as well as its successful cable networks in Latin America and Europe. Prior to that, he held the role of President of Distribution for Sony Pictures Television (SPT) before expanding his role to include oversight of home entertainment and networks. Le Goy was President of International Distribution from 2008 and was SPT’s Executive Vice President of Distribution, since 2006. He was previously based at SPT’s Latin America headquarters in Miami, where he served as Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Latin America, for three years. He joined SPT in 1999 as Senior Vice President, European Distribution, based at SPT’s European headquarters in London.

Le Goy joined SPT from The Walt Disney Company, where he was Vice President, Sales, Europe, with oversight for all of Disney’s European television distribution business. Prior to the Walt Disney Company, Le Goy worked at The National Magazine Company, the U.K. subsidiary of the Hearst Corporation, where he served as Director of International Sales.

Le Goy started his professional career in advertising sales, working for media and advertising related publications in London. He was later promoted and became the publisher of Media Week magazine. He also launched and served as the publisher of Media & Marketing Europe, a title dedicated to covering pan European advertising and marketing trends.

He attended the European School in Brussels then went on to Cambridge University in England.

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“Little Women, Big League” – A Wild New Baseball Comedy Premieres March 13, 2025, on Bell Fibe TV1

From a media release:

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming premiere of Little Women, Big League, a brand-new baseball comedy series that combines humour, heart, and a whole lot of hijinks. The show is set to debut on March 13, 2025, exclusively on Bell Fibe TV1.

In Little Women, Big League, two former baseball players turned criminals are given one last shot at redemption. Their mission? To coach a troubled girls’ slow-pitch softball team. What starts as a last-ditch effort to avoid a life behind bars quickly turns into a riotous journey filled with unlikely bonds, hilarious challenges, and plenty of heartwarming moments. Expect a rollercoaster of laughs, softball and emotional growth, as these two coaches realize that maybe they need to learn more from the team than they ever expected.

Ty Leblanc, known for his sharp wit and unique storytelling style, pens this exciting series, and brings to life a blend of sports and personal redemption.

The show is directed by Scott Paterson, a veteran actor (Degrassi: The Next Generation), turned director (The Beacons of Gondor, Inside the Actors Cult). Paterson brings his deep understanding of character-driven narratives to the show.

Little Women, Big League features an outstanding cast, led by: Tommy James Murphy (Disrepair), Andrew Ravindran (Midnight Dreamers), Kiera Laidman (One More Time), Lina Sennia (Ruby and the Well), Savannah Basley (SurrealEstate) and Shane Kippel (Degrassi: The Next Generation) and Matthew Edison (The Boys).

The series is produced by RavinMurph Pictures, alongside David M. James and Ray Hoang of Nameless Films, and Sabrina Laidman of Kalkaden Productions.

Mark your calendars and get ready for a deeply absurd, fresh take on redemption and team spirit. Don’t miss out on the show that’s bound to leave you laughing and cheering for more!

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