WIFT Toronto AGM

Laura Heath Potter, Head of Communications, Canada, Paramount Streaming

Laura Heath Potter is Head of Communications, Canada, Paramount Streaming as well as an emerging independent producer currently cultivating and working with emerging writers and directors developing and writing both scripted and factual original content. In her role at Paramount, she oversees the Paramount+ and Pluto TV communications strategy and execution. With more than 20 years of film and television communications experience, Heath Potter was previously the Director of Communications for Bell Media’s CTV Networks. Overseeing publicity for CTV’s acquired, in-house and original Canadian programs, Social PR, and talent relations. Previously, Heath Potter worked for Odeon Films, Corus Entertainment, and the Toronto International Film Festival.

Julie Kumaria, SVP, Marketing & Content Distribution, Hollywood Suite

Julie Kumaria is the SVP, Marketing & Content Distribution at Hollywood Suite. She oversees the following areas: marketing, creative, social media, partnerships, advertising, affiliate relations and on-air promotions. Julie was Supervising Producer on the documentary Ferris’s Room, and Executive Producer of Hollywood Suite’s original series, A Year in Film and A to Z. Julie served as the President of CTAM Canada (2018-2020) and has been on the Advisory Board for The Ted Rogers Hot Docs Cinema since 2014. As an advocate for women’s advancement, Julie won the Women in Communications (WCT) award for Mentor of the Year in 2016. In 2017, Julie was awarded the CTAM U Fellowship Award to attend CTAM U at Harvard Business School. Julie led Hollywood Suite’s WIFT-T campaign to raise money and awareness for women in the screen-based industry for 3 years and the WIFT Indigenous Writers Program for 2 years. Julie has served two years on the WIFT T Foundation Board and is the current Co-Chair of the Engagement Committee for the WIFT T Board. 

Karthiga Ratnasabapathy, Head of Video, Apple

Karthiga is a highly distinguished professional with over two decades of experience in the film and television industry. She has held pivotal roles leading top distribution companies while mastering all aspects of the industry. Currently, as Head of Video at Apple TV in Canada, Karthiga provides strategic leadership in overseeing transactional business, channels business, and Apple TV+. Previously, she served as Vice President of Sales at Sony Pictures Entertainment and Vice President of Acquisitions and Sales at Tricon Films and Television. Karthiga held the role of chair at the Reel Asian Film Festival for four years. Karthiga's reputation as an industry leader in Canadian and global markets, backed by her MBA from the Richard Ivey School, has made her a highly respected and accomplished leader with an impressive track record of delivering exceptional results.

Anne Schneerer, Associate Vice President, National Bank of Canada

Anne Schneerer has over 25 years of experience in banking. She joined the Creative Industries Group at The National Bank of Canada in 2002 as an Account Manager. In 2017, Anne was promoted to Associate Vice President for the Creative Industries Group in Ontario and Western Canada, heading the teams outside of Quebec.  Anne has been involved in over $300 million in financings throughout her career at The National Bank.  Previously, Anne worked at CIBC World Markets in both Loan Syndications and Corporate Real Estate. She holds a BA in Art History from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, and an MBA with a specialization in Finance from the University of Toronto.  In her spare time, Anne loves to ski, cook, visit museums and art galleries, watch sad European films and travel.