AT A GLANCE
- Dates: Saturday December 5, Friday December 11, Saturday December 12, 2026 (9:00am - 12:30pm)
- Fees: WIFT+ Toronto Members: $ 275 + hst | Non-members: $ 350 + hst
- Designed For: Those interested in learning the basics of television distribution
- Eligibility: Open to all members and the public (members get a discounted rate)
- Deadline to register: November 29, 2026 (11:59pm)
See below for all the details.
ABOUT
Supported by Sony Pictures Entertainment Canada, our 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
Registration and Scholarships Open: Monday October 26, 2026
Scholarship Deadline: Sunday November 22, 2026
Registration Deadline: Sunday November 29, 2026
Program Runs:
Saturday December 5, 2026 (9:00am - 12:30pm)
Friday December 11, 2026 (9:00am - 12:30pm)
Saturday December 12, 2026 (9:00am - 12:30pm)
FEES
WIFT+ Toronto Members: $ 275 + hst
Non-members: $ 350 + hst
Two (2) scholarships will be available to cover program fees for participants in this program and are made available through the Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto. Scholarships are open to both WIFT+ Toronto members and non-members alike.
To apply for a scholarship for this program, please visit this page. The deadline to apply for a scholarship is November 22, 2026 (11:59pm).
ELIGIBILITY
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.
Questions? For more information contact Jody Anderson, Programs and Special Event Coordinator, at janderson@wift.com.
LOCATION
This program will be held in person at:
The Centre for Social Innovation: 192 Spadina Avenue
Room TBA
*Virtual attendance is NOT available for this program.
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…