Starz’s John Penney to Keynote CMPA’s Prime Time Conference

OTTAWA/TORONTO: John Penney, Starz’s chief strategy officer, is set to deliver the opening keynote at the Canadian Media Production Association’s (CMPA) Prime Time conference.

The conference will focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and growth by exploring new opportunities in international and digital markets and the evolution of legacy media. It will be held in Ottawa from February 3 to 5. Panels and keynotes will explore best practices for accessing the global market, opportunities in branded entertainment, packaging strategies from leading agents, innovations in storytelling, selling into digital platforms and more.

At Starz, Penney builds key business strategies and partnerships, and identifies and develops new business opportunities across the Starz family of companies. He is also a member of the executive board of the Consumer Technology Association and chairman of its content and entertainment council. In addition, Penney is a founding member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Vision council, which is part of its Interactive Media Peer group.

“There are few leaders working in media who are as knowledgeable and forward-thinking as John when it comes to the future of technology, particularly consumer electronics, and their potential to disrupt or enhance content production and distribution,” said Reynolds Mastin, the president and CEO of CMPA. “His perspective is both rare and crucial, and we are honored to have him set the tone for Prime Time 2016.”

Industry leaders speaking at Prime Time for the first time include Tone C. Rønning, commissioning editor for drama and arts at NRK; Lorenzo De Maio, an agent for independent and international TV at William Morris Endeavor Entertainment; Rob Kenneally, TV agent at creative artists agency; Janet Brown, the CEO of FilmBuff; Dino Demopoulos, the head of strategy at Tribal DDB; Jake Norman, the head of agency development at Facebook; Kaan Yigit, the president of Solutions Research Group; Justin Stockman, the president of specialty at Bell Media; and Moyra Rodgers, the CEO of Magnify Digital.

Previously announced speakers include Barb Williams, the president of Shaw Media and executive VP of broadcasting; Heather Conway, the executive VP of CBC; Jim Kiriakakis, a producer at Buck Productions; John Young, the managing director at Temple Street Productions and others.

“We are also truly excited to welcome panelists who have never spoken at Prime Time before, and who will bring a fresh perspective from international territories or adjacent industries,” added Marguerite Pigott, CMPA’s VP of outreach and strategic initiatives. “Tone C. Rønning, NRK’s executive producer of The Bridge and commissioning editor of Lilyhammer, and Rob Kenneally, CAA agent of top Canadian talent, are just two of the many new voices coming to Prime Time to contribute their expertise and do business.”