Prime Time, the premiere sector conference presented by the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA), is THE ticket on the winter industry calendar. This year was particular historic as it was the first time a sitting Canadian Prime Minister attended the event. Crowds flocked the red carpet and cameras flashed as Prime Minister Mark Carney (donning a viral fleece) delighted all with Heated Rivalry star, Hudson Williams.
Another first took place as well: OBAC took the main stage! Executive Director, Kadon Douglas, introduced an audience of industry decision makers, policymakers, producers and funders to the organization. A surprise introduction by Hon. Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister Responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, was followed by a 30-second spot encapsulating eight years of impact.
OBAC also was proud to bring yet another delegation to Prime Time thanks to a sponsorship from the CMPA. The delegation was led by Michelle Berry in her new role as Manager of Community and Partner Engagement.
Torrin Blades is a Toronto-based producer dedicated to bold, director-driven projects that amplify underrepresented voices. His work includes Solemates (TIFF 2024, HKIFF 2025), acquired by Ouat Media and currently streaming on Crave and The North Star: Finding Black Mecca (2021), which aired on CBC Gem’s Absolutely Canadian. Torrin was selected for OYA Emerging Filmmaker in 2024 and the Canadian Film Centre Producers’ Lab in 2025.
Ebony Green is a creative professional with experience in film, television and media production. Her background spans from co-producing and coordinating broadcast, digital and film content across multiple platforms. She thrives at the intersection of creativity and project management and has had the pleasure working for CBC Gem web series, the National Film Board of Canada and Corus Entertainment. Passionate about storytelling that informs, engages and inspires, Ebony is committed to creating media that leaves a lasting impact.
Shana McCalla is a Toronto-based Canadian producer, writer, director, and advocate working at the intersection of storytelling, justice, and community impact. She is the founder of Salemscript Productions Inc., named one of Playback Magazine’s Top 100 Female-Led Production Companies to Watch. Shana is the creator of Find Ontario Missing Boys, a nationally recognized grassroots initiative and documentary series in development with support from the Rogers-BSO Script Development Fund. She is a Banff Spark Accelerator alumna.
Shane LaTouche is a cultural creative and passionate visionary. His work largely focuses on projects that reflect the Black & Caribbean diaspora within Canada, including working on shows like The Legacy Awards, Caribbean Vibrations TV, and season 4 of the docuseries AMPLIFY. In his spare time, he volunteers with the Toronto Black Media Association to help strengthen the network of Black creatives in the city.
OBAC Prime Time delegates received complimentary passes to attend the conference. Travel and accommodation support, plus a per diem, was made possible thanks to a generous sponsorship from the CMPA.
