FINDING YOUR INNER CHILD - HOW TO CREATE CONTENT FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES
Content for kids has come a long way in portraying diversity in front of the screen, helping to educate future generations in such projects as the recent films "The Little Mermaid "and "Turning Red" and tv shows like "Overlord and the Underwoods" and "The Wonder Years” reboot.
Creating content for children has very particular directives that need to be followed for these projects to move forward and find their audience. There is a responsibility when reaching out to them, especially when the show is talking to and about Black youth and that can only be achieved by promoting and championing Black content creators and decision-makers behind the scenes.
Are we seeing enough effort to raise the voices of Black creatives in the area? How do these creatives face the challenge of creating projects that both charm and empower their young audience?
MODERATOR
Joelle Tomlinson, Journalist
Joelle Tomlinson is a Canadian journalist and broadcaster who has made a name for herself as one of the most respected voices in the industry. She was born and raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where she developed a passion for storytelling at an early age.
As a news anchor, Joelle is known for her ability to connect with people and tell their stories in an engaging and empathetic way. She is also an accomplished interviewer, highlighting prominent voices and leaders from all walks of life, from around the world.
Outside of her work as a journalist, Joelle is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and empowerment for marginalized communities. Joelle is also an avid runner and fitness enthusiast, spin instructor and enjoys hiking and exploring the great outdoors in her spare time.
SPEAKERS
Fred Smith, Owner of Kallos Studio
Fred Smith was born and raised in California. He served eight years in the United States Marine Corps. He moved to Calgary in 2014 and is an Author, Graphic Designer, and Photographer. He wrote, illustrated, and self-published "My Daddy's Legs" in 2019, available on Amazon. He is currently pursuing a degree in elementary education.
Hebert Poll Gutierrez, Author, Storyteller, Poet & Playwright
Hebert Poll Gutierrez is a Cuban Canadian author, storyteller, poet, and playwright with 16 years of experience currently based in Calgary. He believes in the power of stories and theater to shape realities. Hebert has published nine books in several genres (poetry, theater, and short fiction). His latest book is “Whispers from the Black Gods” (Poetry, The Elite Lizzard Publishing Company,2022). He was named Calgary’s Artist of the Month in December 2021 by the Immigrant Council for Arts Innovation (ICAI).
Randy Quansah, Host & Founder, Kujo's Kid Zone
I am a Canadian-raised bilingual (English/French) black man and YouTube show host/founder, set out to create a series of episodes aimed at teaching young children and their parents about the wonders of the world at a child's level--using science, stories, music, social awareness, and conversation to learn about how to grow up kind, brave, curious and be proud of who you are. The show’s approach is based on early childhood education principles mixed with exploring social causes and issues such as racism, culture, diversity, and biases. The new iteration of our show is set in a community centre with BIPOC representation, music, experiments, anthropology, creativity and silliness.
