ABOUT
This three half-day information series has been developed to answer questions regarding the general process of television distribution. Have you ever wondered how content is “windowed”? Do you want to know the difference between a usage right and holdback? Are you curious about the common types of distribution deals that are negotiated? Then this is the course for you to explore these topics and much more.
Our sessions will be led by Stephanie Shinkoda, VP of Distribution & Co-Country Manager of Sony Pictures Entertainment Canada.
DATES
Deadline for Registration: November 19, 2025
Deadline for Scholarship Applications: November 9, 2025
Program runs:
Friday November 21 (9:30am - 12:30pm)
Friday November 28 (9:30am - 12:30pm)
Friday December 5 (9:30am - 12:30pm)
LOCATION
This program will be held in person at:
The Centre for Social Innovation: 192 Spadina Avenue
Room TBA
PROGRAM FEES
WIFT+ Toronto Members: $ 250 + hst
Non-members: $ 325 + hst
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
Scholarships—open to WIFT+ Toronto members and non-members—are made available through the Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto for the purposes of providing financial assistance as well as opportunities for advancement to members of underrepresented groups.
To be eligible for a scholarship, you must identify as a woman, female, trans, genderqueer, 2 spirit or nonbinary media professional. Preference will be given to members of the Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, and the LGBTAIQ+ communities, as well as individuals living with a disability and those that identify as a member of an equity seeking group.
Please self-identify in your Letter of Intent. Applicants should clearly indicate in their Letter of Intent how this scholarship will aid in their professional development and why they should be considered for the scholarship (explaining financial hardship, etc).
ELIGIBILITY FOR PROGRAM
The WIFT+ Toronto TV Distribution 101 series is recommended for anyone who has an interest in learning the basics of television distribution. This is an introductory course designed to demystify topics for those who work in the screen-based industry.
If you have any questions about whether or not this program is for you, please contact Laurie Januska, Director of Programming.
SESSIONS & INSTRUCTOR
Stephanie Shinkoda
Stephanie Shinkoda has over 25 years of experience across television and home entertainment distribution, acquisitions, and programming. Stephanie joined Sony Pictures Entertainment in October 2021. Prior to Sony, Stephanie was Director of Content Distribution at Maple Leaf Sports + Entertainment, where she oversaw digital strategy, programming, distribution, and content rights for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC and Toronto Argonauts. Prior to MLSE, she headed up television distribution for Paramount Pictures in Canada, preceded by roles at Shaw Media and Warner Bros. As Vice President, Distribution & Co-Country Manager at Sony Pictures, Stephanie oversees the sales teams, including TV distribution and home entertainment digital and physical distribution.
TOPICS INCLUDED:
- Definition of a “Studio”
- Overview of the content a studio sells
- Types of media rights
- Interplay between rights & holdbacks
- How “windowing” works for TV series and features
- Subscription & Advertising revenue models
- The concept of “bundling”
- Common production financing models
- The concept of “residuals”
- TV syndication market
- Understanding ratings
- A BDU versus a VMVPD
- And so much more…