The following list provides contact information for kids show buyers at selected Canadian broadcasters, along with insider info on what these casters are looking for, and how to go about pitching to them. The information is extracted from an international list to run in the February/March issue of KidScreen.

CBC Television
Kim Wilson, creative head of children’s and youth programming
Martin Markle, executive in charge of production, children’s and youth programming

Looking for: The pubcaster is on the lookout for comedic, homegrown animation aimed at 10- to 15-year-olds for its after-school block. It is looking to pick up at least one more half-hour series, and is always interested in short-form projects (up to 15 minutes). Wilson also hopes to add more shows on Saturday mornings, for a block with a target demo ranging from preschoolers up to tweens.

Preferred approach: Pitches for Saturday morning shows – including one pager, bible, character drawings, and sample synopses or script – can be sent to Wilson, and those for the after-school block to Markle. Address: PO Box 500, Station ‘A’, Toronto, ON M5W 1E6

Market circuit: KidScreen Summit, MIPTV, MIPCOM

Family Channel
Sandy Walmark, manager of original production

Looking for: Walmark’s prime focus is on live-action half-hours for the tween set. Although these projects should appeal to its girl-heavy audience, she also needs boy-targeted comedies that are gatekeeper-friendly. Family will commit to 13 or 26 eps, and it’s best to contact Walmark early in the development stage. Bonus points go to properties that translate into alternative media streams, such as the web.

Preferred approach: Mail a detailed description of the concept, including character and environment profiles, to BCE Place, 181 Bay Street, Box 787, Toronto, ON, M5J 2T3. Be clear as to whether the pitch is for development or production, and please don’t e-mail Walmark.

Market circuit: KidScreen Summit, Banff World Television Festival, MIPCOM

Teletoon
Carole Bonneau, VP of programming
Madeleine Levesque, director of original productions

Looking for: Save your live-action ideas for another network, because Teletoon is all about animation. Projects should target the upper end of the six to 11 demo, and pitches need not resemble series currently airing on the specialty. In fact, Levesque is eager to see innovative concepts.

Preferred approach: Original production pitches should be mailed to 2100 St. Catherine Street West, Suite 1000, Montreal, QC H3H 2T3, while potential acquisitions can be mailed to BCE Place, 181 Bay Street, P.O. Box 787, Toronto, ON M4G 2T4.

Market circuit: NATPE, KidScreen Summit, MIPTV, Banff World Television Festival, Annecy International Animated Film Festival, MIPCOM, MIPCOM Jr.

TVO
Frances James, acquisitions of children’s and youth programming
Pat Ellingson, creative head of children’s and daytime
Looking for: Picking up edutainment programming for the six- to nine-year-old set is a priority for James. Animated, factual or dramatic shows will be considered as long as there are at least 26 eps and there’s a possibility to produce more. Preschool programming and one-offs are off TVO’s radar at the moment, but James would consider all-ages shorter-run series for placement in the net’s primetime Sunday family block.
Preferred approach: Send any pitch, complete with bible or series outline and DVD, to 2180 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M4T 2T1
Market circuit: KidScreen Summit, MIPTV, MIPCOM

YTV
Phil Piazza, VP programming
Bonita Siegel, director, original productions, children’s TV
Looking for: Predominantly core kid-centric and strippable programs with a keen sense of humor. YTV’s slate for action shows is almost full, but Siegel will consider unique story ideas. The specialty is tailored to a six to 11 audience, but ages up as the evening progresses, hitting tweens and families in primetime and on weekends. Commissions must qualify as 100% Canadian content and require a Canadian producer.

Preferred approach: For acquisitions, send screeners and short descriptions to Jackie Pardy, director of program acquisitions (jackie.pardy@corusent.com). For commissions, e-mail a pitch package and scripts to David Watson, original productions coordinator (david.watson@corusent.com), and follow up with Bonita Siegel (fax: (416) 534-1959, bonita.siegel@corusent.com).

Market circuit: NATPE, KidScreen Summit, MIPTV, MIPCOM, Banff World Television Festival