The Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) is the top trade association in Canada dedicated to supporting independent producers. Representing a wide range of film, TV, and interactive media companies, CMPA serves as a united voice for its diverse members. The non-profit organization provides services and advocacy to strengthen the industry.
CMPA is passionate about serving the unique needs of its members, organizing impactful conferences and creating valuable networking and market opportunities.
Prime Time 2024, CMPA’s premier event, will take place at The Westin Ottawa from Wednesday, January 31 at 1:30 PM through Friday, February 2 at 3:00 PM. The highly-anticipated event is known for its impressive speakers and engaging discussions. It’s a must-attend for media professionals.
Overview of CMPA’s Primetime Event
The upcoming event will be a vibrant hub for media professionals to network, learn, and engage with influential leaders and innovators. The impressive speaker lineup will provide key insights into pivotal industry topics and the changing business landscape.
Attendees can look forward to unrivalled opportunities such as sessions with top Canadian studios, platforms, and distributors. There will also be intimate, curated small group sessions with leading broadcasters and platforms to gain insight into their current content priorities and acquisition interests. Some of the scheduled programs include:
- Paramount+ Meeting Café
- Delegate registration desk
- WORKSHOP: How producers can achieve hair and makeup equity for BIPOC performers on set
- WORKSHOP: Stunt coordination for producers 101
- And more
The event aims to help professionals make key connections, stay on top of industry trends, and gain valuable wisdom to navigate the evolving media world.
Highlighted Speakers
A few of the featured speakers at this year’s event are:
Cameron Bailey: Cameron Bailey, CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), will speak at the event. He oversees the vision and strategy for one of Canada’s leading cultural institutions, running the world’s largest public film festival each September. On Thursday, February 1st from 4:00-4:45 PM, Bailey will discuss the topic of Canadian movie consumption.
Reynolds Mastin: Reynolds Mastin, President & CEO of CMPA, champions the success of Canada’s independent production sector. He leads CMPA operations across Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver to ensure a strong future for Canadian content. Before becoming CEO, Mastin served as CMPA’s Chief Negotiator and Chief Legal Officer. At the event on Friday, February 2nd from 1:05-2:00 PM, he’ll discuss “Phoenix Rising: The State of the Canadian Television Sector.”
Mark Bishop: Mark Bishop, Co-President of Blue Ant Studios, oversees growth, marketing, digital media, and new ventures for the global production company. He serves on the boards of CMPA and the Canadian Association of Content Exporters. With deep industry experience and knowledge, Bishop will speak on “Status Update: The Global Content Ecosystem” on Thursday, February 1st from 9:15-10:15 AM.
Valerie Creighton: Valerie Creighton is a respected leader in arts, culture, and media. Known for revitalizing major national organizations over nearly 40 years, she’s renowned as an advocate for Canada’s cultural richness. On Friday, February 2nd from 1:05-2:00 PM, Creighton will share her insights on “Phoenix Rising: The State of the Canadian Television Sector.” She’ll bring her deep expertise in transforming cultural institutions to discuss the current landscape and future of Canadian TV.
Richard Cormier: Richard Cormier has over 30 years of experience in AV production, content creation, and creative innovation in Canada and the US. With senior management expertise and an executive MBA, he’ll explore “Understanding Canadian Movie Consumption” on Thursday, February 1st, 4:00-4:45 PM.
Pascale St-Onge: The Honourable Pascale St-Onge became Member of Parliament for Brome—Missisquoi in 2021. She has served as Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for regional economic development in Quebec. Minister St-Onge brings this valuable expertise to her current role as Minister of Canadian Heritage. She will participate in a featured discussion, “In Conversation with: The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage” on Thursday, February 1st from 12:45-1:15 PM.
Taleeb Noormohamed: Taleeb Noormohamed became the Member of Parliament for Vancouver Granville in 2021. Presently, he is a part of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security, as well as the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations. He has been involved in several parliamentary associations and groups. On Thursday, February 1, 2024, from 10:20 AM to 11:05 AM, he will discuss the topic “The ‘Big Tech’ Balance: Safeguarding National Interests While Promoting Growth.
Maryam Mehrtash: Maryam Mehrtash, an award-winning content and marketing executive, previously served as the Vice President of Marketing Strategy at Paramount. In this role, she led strategy and partnerships for Paramount+, CBS Entertainment, and CBS Media Ventures. She is scheduled to deliver a speech on “Using Digital Platforms to Maximize Project Success” on Thursday, February 1, 2024, from 1:50 PM to 2:35 PM.
Margaret McGuffin: Margaret McGuffin serves as the CEO of Music Publishers Canada. With a keen interest in copyright, music licensing, and promoting Canadian music globally, Margaret is always being open to discussions on these topics. She will be delivering a speech titled “The Rhythm of Collaboration: Building Your Dream Music Team” on Thursday, February 1, 2024, from
Elizabeth Wise Lyall: Liz Wise Lyall currently holds the position of Head of Scripted Programming at the CW Network. In her role, she oversees Current Programming and Scripted Development, including international Co-productions. With an impressive 12-year tenure at the CW, Liz initially began in Current Programming, serving as a creative liaison for numerous hit primetime drama series, including “Riverdale,” “Superman & Lois,” “Arrow,” “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow,” “The Flash,” “The 100,” “iZombie,” “Nancy Drew,” and “Two Sentence Horror Stories,” among others. She is scheduled to participate in a discussion titled “Status Update: The Global Content Ecosystem” on Thursday, February 1, 2024, from 9:15 AM to 10:15 AM.
Catherine Tait: Catherine Tait became President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada in 2018 for a five-year term. In addition to leading CBC/Radio-Canada, she chairs the Global Task Force for Public Media. On Friday, February 2nd from 1:05-2:00 PM, Tait will lend her expertise on “Phoenix Rising: The State of the Canadian Television Sector.”
Andrew Peterson: Andrew Peterson holds the position of Head of YouTube Canada, where he is responsible for overseeing the content, creator, and viewer ecosystems in the country. He will be discussing the topic “Using Digital Platforms to Maximize Project Success” on Thursday, February 1, 2024, from 1:50 PM to 2:35 PM.
Final Words
Attending Prime Time 2024 promises to be an engaging, enriching experience with insights from diverse leading voices across the evolving media landscape. Beyond the highlighted speakers, Prime Time 2024 will feature many other respected experts providing insights into the media industry.
To learn about the full speaker lineup and get comprehensive event details, check out the official website. It has speaker bios, the session schedule, and additional info to help you make the most of the conference.