MIPJunior Keynote Superpanel Unveiled

This year’s MIPJunior Keynote Superpanel, moderated by World Screen‘s Anna Carugati, is set to feature a trio of seasoned independent producers and distributors, including Genevieve Dexter, founder and CEO of Serious Lunch and Eye Present.

Dexter will discuss current market shifts with Andy Heyward, chairman and CEO of Genius Brands International, and Josh Scherba, president of DHX Media. The trio will share their views on this fast-changing industry, how they are adapting to the rapidly evolving streaming universe when it comes to rights management and how they consider new outlets for their IP.

On Saturday, October 12, at 5 p.m. in the Grand Theatre of the Marriott Hotel, the MIPJunior Keynote Superpanel will set out to answer the questions: What are the opportunities and challenges for studios working with new streaming platforms, and how is their relationship with linear broadcasters evolving? How can content engage with increasingly fragmented audiences?

A serial entrepreneur, Dexter has worked in the kids IP sector for 30 years. Her Serious Lunch banner represents a portfolio of high-quality properties, including Gigglebug, Operation Ouch! and Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter.

Multiple Emmy Award-winning Heyward started out with Hanna-Barbera as a writer and story editor, where he was involved in the development and writing of numerous series, including Scooby-Doo, The Flintstones and The Smurfs. Heyward co-created Inspector Gadget and has produced over 5,000 episodes of award-winning children’s programs, including Alvin and the Chipmunks, Hello Kitty, Sonic the Hedgehog and Strawberry Shortcake.

At DHX Media, Scherba oversees the creation of kids’ and family content, leading the creative and business teams behind the development and production of series, as well as content distribution sales. He also oversees DHX Media’s leading YouTube-based kids’ network, WildBrain. DHX’s properties include Peanuts, Teletubbies and the Degrassi franchise.

The MIPJunior conference theme for 2019 is the “New Power Players” in today’s kids’ entertainment space.