Barbara Mamabolo is an Executive in Charge of Current Production for CBC Drama, where she oversees prime-time scripted series including Heartland and Wild Cards. An accomplished creative, she previously worked as a story editor on Kim’s Convenience, wrote and directed award-winning short films, and began her career acting in series like Zixx, Instant Star, and Total Drama Island. Barbara holds a Master’s in Cinema Studies from the University of Toronto and champions industry equity through Black Women Film! Canada and The Academy’s Executive Residency Program.

Photographer Credit: David Leyes

As Manager, Development Strategy at Shaftesbury, Awani has worked across development, production, distribution, and international partnerships, helping identify series that can connect with global audiences.  Since joining Shaftesbury in 2019, Awani has worked in primetime scripted, kids, and short-form content, supporting development and production across several series, including Macy Murdoch, Ruby & The Well, Miikshi, and Life with Luca. Awani holds an MBA/MA in Arts, Media, and Entertainment from the Schulich School of Business, where her thesis adopted an industry-studies framework to examine the business of streaming platforms in the evolving media landscape.

Photography Credit: Alex Petruck

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Jake Burling is a production executive at Elevation Pictures, Canada's largest indie distributor and producer of creator-driven, commercially-minded content.

Photography Credit: Olivia Nasner

Jennifer Mesich is a production supervisor and producer specializing in film and television, with expertise spanning scripted and unscripted content, packaging, and end-to-end production management.

Nicole is a Senior Development Coordinator at Shaftesbury, where she helps develop original scripted television. She reads submissions, identifies promising projects for development, and works closely with the creative team to build the company's slate. Nicole has contributed to projects across Shaftesbury's slate, including Murdoch Mysteries, Hudson & Rex, and Irish Blood, and is passionate about discovering distinctive voices and bringing compelling Canadian stories to screen.

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The son of a Mechanic turned Rock Star Musician turned Professional Singing Telegram Clown turned Movie Lighting Guy!

IG @edwardmikolic

Zach Marcovici is the Executive in Charge of Development for CBC Drama, where he is responsible for identifying and developing high quality original drama series. Prior to joining CBC, he was Director of Development & Production at BentFrame Film & TV, overseeing a slate of TV and film projects for the Canadian and international market. Zach also previously worked in development and production at Back Alley Films, serving as Associate Producer on CORONER (CBC/The CW).

Ash Sherwood is a Toronto-based producer and photographer with 10+ years of experience producing commercial, social, and experiential campaigns for leading brands. She specializes in turning ambitious creative ideas into seamless productions through thoughtful planning, collaboration, and creative problem-solve.

IG: __@ashsherwood

AshleySherwood.ca