Jonas Diamond
Executive Producer, Smiley Guy Studios
Jonas Diamond is the Executive Producer of Smiley Guy Studios. For over 15 years, Jonas has been instrumental in growing the company’s production business and arranging financing for its many original properties. Jonas joined up with the Guys in 1999 and successfully arranged financing for and produced the award-winning animated series “Odd Job Jack.” The series received a Gemini, CFTPA Indie, Banff Rockie and Canada New Media Award for Best Cross Platform Project. Additional accolades for “Odd Job Jack” include a nomination for Best Interactive Program and Best Animated Show at the Banff Rockie Awards, Best Convergent Project by the Banff Institute as well as multiple Canadian Comedy Award and Gemini nominations (including 2 for Best Comedy). Jonas’ Producer credits include: “Odd Job Jack,” “Space Riders,” Corner Gas: The Movie – Digital for Bell Media; “Pillars of Freedom” and “Finding Stuff Out” – Online for TVO; “Turbo Dogs,” “Chirp,” and “The Curse of Clara” for CBC; “The Dating Guy,” “Skatoony,” and “GeoFreakZ” for Teletoon; “Dad Drives” and “Operation Unplugged” – Digital for Blue Ant; “Überdude” and “Teleporting Fat Guy” for Smosh; Baby Cow co-productions “Warren United,” “SOS: Save Our Skins” and “Wussywat;” and the Emmy/Rockie/Digi/Canadian Screen Award winning “Guidestones.” Jonas is also a board member of the Academy of Canadian Cinema & TV.
2:15PM - 3:15PM
CASO - Surviving and Thriving
The past year has seen tremendous changes in our industry that have affected everyone from artists to owners. However, despite this, our industry continues to persevere and grow. How are the big studios making it work? What are the risks and challenges they face? Where are the opportunities? Join us for the first in a series of talks exploring what it takes to run a successful animation business, including insights on scaling a studio from startup to success, the ABCs for competing in the big leagues, and how to stay on top of the ball through the good times and the bad. Presented by the Computer Animation Studios of Ontario.
Moderator: Ben McEvoy Executive Producer, Friends & Enemies
