2008 Schedule of Events

Thursday July 10th
14:00 - 17:00

Registration
Hyatt Regency Montreal - Ete des indiens - Level 6

Friday July 11th
14:00 - 17:00

Registration
Hyatt Regency Montreal - Ete des indiens - Level 6

Saturday July 12th
14:00 - 17:00

Registration
Hyatt Regency Montreal - Ete des indiens - Level 6

Sunday July 13th
14:00 - 17:00

Registration
Hyatt Regency Montreal - Ete des indiens - Level 6

Monday July 14th
12:00 - 20:00

Registration
Hyatt Regency Montreal - Ete des indiens - Level 6

Tuesday July 15th
12:00 - 20:00

Registration
Hyatt Regency Montreal - Ete des indiens - Level 6

Wednesday July 16th
10:00 - 22:00

Registration
Hyatt Regency Montreal - Ete des indiens - Level 6

Wednesday July 16th
17:00 - 19:00

Cocktail Reception
Tent

In Partnership with:
Comedy Central and atom.com

Launch your Just Comedy experience at this opening night party. It’s your chance to meet and mingle with fellow delegates and speakers over cocktails and hors-d’oeuvres.

Partner Introductions:
Scott Roesch, Vice President & General Manager - Atom.com - Comedy Central / MTV Networks

Thursday July 17th
10:00 - 11:00

Breakfast
Delegate Lounge

Get a jump start on your day with a Montreal-style continental breakfast on us.

Thursday July 17th
10:00 - 22:00

Registration
Hyatt Regency Montreal - Ete des indiens - Level 6

Thursday July 17th
11:00 - 11:45

Keynote
Grand Salon B & C

Steve Koonin officially opens the conference with this keynote address. He will share his views on the state of comedy today, partnerships with advertisers and on reaching the youth market.

Speaker
Steve Koonin, President - - Turner Entertainment Networks

Thursday July 17th
12:00 - 13:00

Session
Grand Salon B & C

This is an open door forum for producers to hear directly from key comedy broadcasters. Learn who’s looking for what, emerging shifts in the development slates, new trends and approaches to programming. Also, learn about the changes and expectations in reaching their audiences.

Moderator
Steven Gaydos, Executive Editor - Editorial - Variety

Panelist
Kenton Allen, Creative Head, - Comedy and Comedy North - BBC
Suzanna Makkos, Vice President - Comedy Development - Fox Broadcasting Company
Brent Haynes, Senior Vice President Series Development, East Coast - Series Development & Animation - MTV
Anton Leo, Creative Head, TV Comedy - TV Arts & Entertainment - CBC/Radio-Canada
Lou Wallach, SVP, Original Programming - Television & Digital Development - COMEDY CENTRAL
Michelle Daly, Director of Content - - The Comedy Network / CTV

Thursday July 17th
12:00 - 13:00

Session
Alfred-Rouleau A

In Partnership with:
CBC

Pitch Perfect. A team of pitch experts – both givers and receivers—offer comedy creators the tips on designing the flawless pitch. From the moment you meet a producer to the final moment, this session will take participants through the course of creating and executing a successful pitch.

Partner Introductions:
Anton Leo, Creative Head, TV Comedy - TV Arts & Entertainment - CBC/Radio-Canada

Moderator
Jenny Hacker, Executive in Charge of Development, Comedy - TV Arts & Entertainment - CBC/Radio-Canada

Speaker
Adam Steinman, VP Development - - Tiger Aspect USA
Scott Neustadter, - - Writer
Michael H. Weber, - -
Michael Rosenberg, Sr. VP of Creative Affairs - - Blueprint Entertainment
David Greenbaum, VP Production & Development - Production & Development - Miramax Films

Thursday July 17th
13:15 - 14:15

Lunch
Grand Salon B & C

Thursday July 17th
14:30 - 15:30

Session
Grand Salon B & C

To hit the road or not hit the road, that is the question. Live touring agents, club owners, managers and comedians open up with their opinions, theories and wisdom from years on the road in this lively and heated debate. Learn the trends, what’s working, what’s not and how to maximize opportunity for getting a live show successfully mounted. We will ask: is there an upside? At what cost?

Speaker
Joe Meloche, - Comedy Touring - Live Nation
Sam Kinken, Senior Talent Buyer - - AEG Live
Chris Mazzilli, Owner - - Gotham Comedy Club
Erin Von Schonfeldt, VP Talent - - Improv Comedy Club
Nick Nuciforo, Comedy Agent - - Creative Artists Agency

Thursday July 17th
14:30 - 15:30

Session
Alfred-Rouleau C

In Partnership with:
Astral Media The Harold Greenberg Fund

Facilitated speed dating for creators, comedians, producers, and agents to meet face-to-face with development and broadcast executives.

Delegates must register for the Face-to-Face sessions. This is an ideal opportunity for delegates to meet with key industry decision makers in an intimate setting. Seating is limited and must be reserved in advance. Sign-up online via the delegate area.

Partner Introductions:
John Galway, President - English Language Program - Astral Media The Harold Greenberg Fund

Decision-Makers
Edy Mendoza, VP of Comedy Development - Comedy Development - CBS
Kenton Allen, Creative Head, - Comedy and Comedy North - BBC
Joseph Chandler, Manager, Comedy Programming - - Universal Media Studios
Athena Georgaklis, Manager, Original Production - Programming - TELETOON
Lindsey Springer, Manager of Comedy Development - Television - DreamWorks TV
Danielle Gelfand, Executive Producer, Programming and Production, NY - Production + Programming - VH1
Todd Yasui, SVP - Late Night Programming - Fox Broadcasting Company
Tara Ellis, VP Showcase and Drama Content - Programming - Canwest Broadcasting
Jenny Hacker, Executive in Charge of Development, Comedy - TV Arts & Entertainment - CBC/Radio-Canada
Jill Offman, General Manager - Corporate - Paramount Comedy
Sarah Fowlie, Manager, Original Programming - Programming - The Comedy Network
Sarah Mahoney, Director of Commissions - - Comedy Central International
David Hudson, Vice President - Unscripted Programming, Specials and Franchises - TNT/TBS

Thursday July 17th
14:30 - 15:30

Session
Alfred-Rouleau A

In Partnership with:
The Comedy Network

Partner Introductions:
Michelle Daly, Director of Content - - The Comedy Network / CTV

Moderator
Michelle Daly, Director of Content - - The Comedy Network / CTV

Speaker
David Goldman, CEO - - Comedy Time
Lou Wallach, SVP, Original Programming - Television & Digital Development - COMEDY CENTRAL
John Gemberling, Writer/Performer/Producer - - Cowboy & John Productions
Curtis Gwinn, writer/performer/producer - - Cowboy and John Productions
Pat Thornton, - - Writer, Producer, Comedian

Thursday July 17th
15:45 - 16:30

Session
Grand Salon B & C

In Partnership with:
Comedy Central and atom.com

At last, a panel that will address the enduring question concerning comedy producers and broadcasters, where are the people who appreciate Funny? This will be a lively discussion about the vertical integration necessary to reach comedy audiences through traditional and non-traditional means. Simply put, it will offer a map of how to find the audience for your production.

Partner Introductions:
Lou Wallach, SVP, Original Programming - Television & Digital Development - COMEDY CENTRAL

Moderator
Steven Gaydos, Executive Editor - Editorial - Variety

Speaker
Mark Day, Comedy Content Manager - - YouTube
Lou Wallach, SVP, Original Programming - Television & Digital Development - COMEDY CENTRAL
Megan O'Neill, Vice President - Acquisitions and Development - Atom
Cristian Cussen, Content Director - MySpaceTV - MySpace.com

Thursday July 17th
15:45 - 16:30

Session
Alfred-Rouleau A

In Partnership with:
Vérité Films

Successful comedy showrunners offer up their experiences in setting up writing rooms, breaking story, and discuss what has worked, what hasn’t and what they have learned over the years. This workshop will explore what they would do again, never again or just differently. Take notes as they discuss how they manage the fine act of balancing the talent, the needs of the network and the producers, while maintaining the vision of the show.

Partner Introductions:
Virginia Thompson, President & Executive Producer - - Vérité Films Inc.

Moderator
Virginia Thompson, President & Executive Producer - - Vérité Films Inc.

Speaker
Mark Farrell, writer/producer - - Corner Gas and This Hour has 22 Minutes
Neal Brennan, - - Hollywood

Thursday July 17th
16:45 - 17:45

Keynote
Grand Salon B & C

Dynamic father and son feature film-making duo and comedic giants, Ivan Reitman (“Ghostbusters”, “Home Alone”, “Old School”) and Jason Reitman (“Thank You For Smoking”, “Juno”), interview each other and share anecdotes about their experiences in the Industry. Learn how they continue to evolve and the range of projects – including internet based shows that they are involved in.

Speaker
Jason Reitman, Director - - Hard C
Ivan Reitman, Director/Producer - - Montecito Picture Company

Thursday July 17th
17:45 - 19:00

Cocktail Reception
Tent

In Partnership with:
Variety Magazine
TBS

It's not just an excuse to have a splashy cocktail party! The newly anointed “Top 10 Comics to Watch" will be announced at this exclusive Variety Magazine Cocktail Party.

Friday July 18th
10:00 - 11:00

Breakfast
Delegate Lounge

Get a jump start on your day with a Montreal-style continental breakfast on us.

Friday July 18th
10:00 - 22:00

Registration
Hyatt Regency Montreal - Ete des indiens - Level 6

Friday July 18th
11:00 - 11:45

Opening Keynote
Grand Salon B & C

Entertainment companies still struggle to understand online marketing as a new generation of digital opportunities unfolds. Audiences have never been so powerful and have never been so connected. Mitch Joel unravels the fascinating world of New Marketing and Social Media. Learn how these marketing touch points are creating conversations where the results are staggering and loyalty is off the charts. Words like Social Media and Web 2.0 control every boardroom discussion in relation to growing market share and new Marketing opportunities. Learn how to take part in these communities and conversations.

Speaker
Mitch Joel, President - - Twist Image

Friday July 18th
12:00 - 13:00

Session
Alfred-Rouleau A

In Partnership with:
TELETOON

Leading the way with recent box office hits such as wall*E and Kung Fu Panda, animation is a number one draw at the theatre and on the small screen with Family Guy and The Simpsons attracting large audiences weekly. Animation successfully crosses all platforms of comedy. Join us for an animated discussion (pun intended!) about the success of animated comedies as TV shows, feature films and brands.

Moderator
Vince Commisso, President & CEO - - 9 Story Entertainment

Speaker
Athena Georgaklis, Manager, Original Production - Programming - TELETOON
Yves St-Gelais, Executive Producer - Production - Kiwi Animation
Ken Goin, Writer - - Get Goin, Inc.
Frank Saperstein, SVP - Children's and Animated Programming - Blueprint Entertainment

Friday July 18th
12:00 - 13:00

Session
Grand Salon B & C

In Partnership with:
MySpace Comedy

The online syndication business is becoming the next great platform for comedy producers. Once considered the domain of a small army of kids in their basements, Internet Comedy is now on the forefront of the hottest new comedic talent. Find out from successful Internet Comedy producers why broadcasters and producers are turning to the web to find the newest comedy creators.

Speaker
Kent Nichols, co-Creator of Ask A Ninja - Writer/Director/Producer - Beatbox Giant Productions, LLC
Douglas Sarine, writer - - Ask A Ninja
Dave Koga, Creative Director - - 60Frames
Jordan Ellner, Marketing Manager - Comedy - MySpace Comedy - MySpace.com
Matthew Blake, Agent - Comedy Touring - Creative Artists Agency
Owen Benjamin, Comedian - - Self-Employed
David Martin - President, - - Avalon Management

Friday July 18th
13:15 - 14:15

Lunch
Grand Salon B & C

In Partnership with:
CBC

Inspired by legendary funny ladies like Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Gilda Radner and Joan Rivers, is a panel discussion featuring women who are leading the way in the comedy industry, making a profound impact on the business of funny and all the while, laughing all the way to the bank.

Partner Introductions:
Anton Leo, Creative Head, TV Comedy - TV Arts & Entertainment - CBC/Radio-Canada

Speaker
Madelyn Hammond, Chief Marketing Officer - Marketing - Variety
Jill Offman, General Manager - Corporate - Paramount Comedy
Kirstine Layfield, Executive Director - TV Network Programming - CBC/Radio-Canada
Virginia Thompson, President & Executive Producer - - Vérité Films Inc.

Friday July 18th
13:15 - 14:15

Lunch
Alfred-Rouleau B

Independent Producer, meet Broadcaster. Broadcaster; meet Independent Producer.

Independent Producer has the freshest, hottest new idea in comedy. Broadcaster wants to discover the freshest, hottest new idea in comedy. (Not only are we event planners, but we’re matchmakers too.)

Delegates must register for the Decision Maker Lunch. This is an ideal opportunity for delegates to meet with key industry decision makers in an intimate setting. Seating is limited and must be reserved in advance. Sign-up online via the delegate area.

Decision-Makers
Joseph Chandler, Manager, Comedy Programming - - Universal Media Studios
Suzanna Makkos, Vice President - Comedy Development - Fox Broadcasting Company
Richie Schwartz, Development Executive - - Conaco Productions / NBCU
Andrew Marcantonio, Executive Director - Comedy Development - ABC
Athena Georgaklis, Manager, Original Production - Programming - TELETOON
Danielle Gelfand, Executive Producer, Programming and Production, NY - Production + Programming - VH1
Brent Haynes, Senior Vice President Series Development, East Coast - Series Development & Animation - MTV
Todd Yasui, SVP - Late Night Programming - Fox Broadcasting Company
Michelle Daly, Director of Content - - The Comedy Network / CTV
Sarah Mahoney, Director of Commissions - - Comedy Central International
robert Markovich, Executive Director, original programming, development and production - - Starz

Friday July 18th
14:30 - 15:15

Session
Grand Salon B & C

Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz’s Edgar Wright and Juno and Thank You For Smoking’s Jason Reitman take the stage offering of a master class on their vision of feature comedy.

Speaker
Jason Reitman, Director - - Hard C
Edgar Wright, - - Big Talk Productions

Friday July 18th
15:30 - 16:15

Session
Grand Salon B & C

In Partnership with:
WestWind Pictures

Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and The Marx Brothers piloted the way of improv on film. And Larry David’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and Christopher Guest’s “Best in Show” have recently confirmed that improv has a serious place on screen in addition to the live show. The art of improv and how it can work with a narrative structure will be explored.

Partner Introductions:
Mary Darling, Executive Producer & CEO - - Westwind Pictures Inc.

Moderator
Deb McGrath, Comedian/Writer/Producer - - Comedian/Writer/Producer

Speaker
Colin Mochrie, Comedian - - Comedian/Writer/Producer
Peter Oldring, Co-Creator / Exec Producer - - Good Morning World
Linda Kash, Actor/director - - OPUS 4 Productions Inc

Friday July 18th
15:30 - 16:15

Session
Alfred-Rouleau A

In Partnership with:
Heenan Blaikie LLP

Even in the business of Funny, the one thing producers take very seriously is Money. Financial experts will share case studies and explain the best ways to secure financing for your project.

Moderator
David Tochterman, President - - Moving Target Entertainment

Speaker
Dean Chenoy, Lawyer - - Heenan Blaikie LLP
Scott Roesch, Vice President & General Manager - Atom.com - Comedy Central / MTV Networks
Warren Nimchuk, Partner - Entertainment Tax Group - PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Friday July 18th
16:15 - 17:15

Session
Grand Salon B & C

Hey all you show business types! You are cordially invited to hear Andy's annual cavalcade of complaints. Witness his high energy self sabotage in a convention room setting.

Speaker
Andy Kindler, Comedian - - Andy Kindler

Friday July 18th
17:30 - 18:30

Session
Grand Salon B & C

This session will tribute the creative tour de force Judd Apatow. It will be a celebration of Judd’s achievements as a writer, director, producer in television, feature film and the internet. Superbad, 40 year Old Virgin, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Freaks and Geeks, Pineapple Express, to name some of Judd’s key credits.

Participants
Judd Apatow, - - Apatow Productions

Friday July 18th
18:30 - 19:30

Cocktail Reception
Café Fleuri

In Partnership with:
Canadian Heritage Trade Routes Contributions Program
Playback

A ‘by invitation only’ event for the producers selected through The Hook Up program.

Friday July 18th
18:30 - 19:30

Cocktail Reception
Tent

In Partnership with:
The Hollywood Reporter

A "by invitation only" event hosted by The Hollywood Reporter.

Friday July 18th
23:59 - 03:00

Party
JFL Museum, 5th Floor

In Partnership with:
MySpace Comedy

Saturday July 19th
12:00 - 15:00

Ball Hockey
Le Rinque

Location: La Rinque (Cote de Liesse) The Fragile Egos (ARTISTS) take on The Talentless Leeches (INDUSTRY) at the Summit Series of ball hockey - and because of the popularity and the number of players in the past two years, this year’s event is a mini-tournament of four, 45-minute games! Sign up in the delegate login area or contact Brent Schiess at 514-606-9747 or bschiess@hahaha.com. (Must be signed up to play)

Saturday July 19th
12:00 - 18:00

Registration
Hyatt Regency Montreal - Ete des indiens - Level 6

Saturday July 19th
14:00 - 17:00

Basketball
Club Sportif

Location: Club Sportif MAA Don't miss the intensity as artists and industry duke it out on the courts at the annual Artists vs Industry Basketball game. Participate in the action or cheer on your favourite artist or executive at Montreal's finest sporting club. Sign up in the delegate area or contact Sarah Canzer scanzer@hahaha.com. (Must be signed up to play)