CAITLIN DELANEY

Producer, 1Department Entertainment & Founder, UP LIGHT ACADEMY 

With over 17 years of dedicated experience in the film industry, Caitlin is a seasoned producer committed to nurturing talent and fostering innovation. As the driving force behind UP LIGHT ACADEMY, Caitlin brings a wealth of expertise, having produced an impressive portfolio of 15 films and movies each year. Her passion for storytelling and commitment to excellence have earned her recognition for delivering compelling narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide. Caitlin's journey in film production began with a deep-seated passion for cinema and a vision to empower aspiring filmmakers. Over the years, she has championed numerous successful projects, each reflecting her distinctive blend of creativity and business acumen. Her extensive industry knowledge and hands-on approach ensure that UP LIGHT ACADEMY remains at the forefront of film education, offering students unparalleled opportunities to learn and grow in a dynamic and competitive field.

Gayle Nakamoto-Jancewicz

Business Affairs Consultant, Production Management, Professor Film and Media Production

Gayle has worked in broadcast television, digital content, business affairs for over 15 years. Her expertise covers budgeting, finance plans, reviewing license agreements, Canada Media Fund applications, film and television tax credits, and digital media tax credits. She has teaching credits  in production and business management for Algonquin College’s Broadcast Television and developed courses and taught in the Film and Media Production programs. Additionally, Gayle makes Affinity Production Group a part-time home where she adds to the team of creatives who make and support Ottawa’s vibrant production industry. With line-producing credits for over 275 Broadcast shows that have aired on HGTV Canada, W Network, OWN, APTN, and Cottage Life, Gayle has also contributed to digital media projects for CBC Comedy, and the children’s website Totally Random.

Aishani Chakravarty

Independent Producer & Development Executive, Creatorland

Aishani is an independent producer and development executive at Creatorland Inc., an independent film/TV production company based in Ottawa. With a diverse background ranging from the dramatic arts to neuroscience, she approaches producing from a unique lens, providing creative strategies to partners and productions.

Through her work, Aishani aims to change the narrative of underrepresented communities and create more opportunities for diverse and authentic storytelling. Her credits include being an associate producer on three Bell Fibe TV1 series, and she is  currently working on three scripted series and one scripted feature film.

JAMIE BANKS

Affinity Production Group Senior Producer / Vice President

Jamie’s experience as producer at Affinity Productions extends over the last 22 years. For almost a decade prior to joining Affinity, Jamie worked as a producer, production manager and assistant director on numerous broadcast and non-broadcast projects. She has been the producer for hundreds of video productions. Jamie graduated from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (S.A.I.T – Calgary, Alberta) with an honours degree in Applied Arts, majoring in Television Writing/Producing.

JOHN KOENSGEN

President and National Councilor, ACTRA Ottawa

John has been an actor, director, producer and teacher for more than 47 years and has appeared in theatres across the country. As an actor his recent work includes: Blissful State of Surrender by Sanita Fejzić (GCTC), Every Little Nookie by Sunny Drake and Little Women by Jordi Mand (Stratford Festival), Butcher by Nicolas Billon at the Panasonic Theatre in Toronto for the Off-Mirvish series in 2017 and also in 2015 at The Theatre Centre in Toronto (Best Production Toronto Critics Awards). He appeared in the GCTC production of Butcher in 2016 and as Malvolio in the NAC production of Twelfth Night the same year. He’s been very busy lately in film and television as well. He has appeared in the television movies The Perfect Stalker and Precious Things, the mini-series The Disappearance and the feature film First Light, the first episode of Canadian Detective and most recently, an abundance of other film for tv productions. He has also done voice work in hundreds of cartoons, most notably, The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin, Dennis The Menace and Blazing Dragons. He is a recipient of the Audrey Ashley Award for his contribution to the theatre community, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Capital Critics Circle and the Lorraine Ansell Award from ACTRA Ottawa. John has also directed dozens of professional theatre productions. In 2012 he won the Prix Rideau Award for Best Direction for The Player’s Advice to Shakespeare by Brian K. Stewart. He has taught at The National Theatre School, University of Ottawa, Algonquin College, St.Lawrence College and Dawson College. Currently he’s the President and National Councilor for the Ottawa Branch of ACTRA.