ANDRA SHEFFER SCHOLARSHIP

• 9 Story Media Group
• Apartment 11 Productions
• Breakthrough Entertainment
• Brunico
• CMPA National
• CMPA-BC Producers Branch

• DHX Television
• Give me Chocolate
• Guru Studio
• marblemedia
• Portfolio Entertainment
• Radical Sheep-une compagnie de Boat Rocker Media
• Secret Location
• Sinking Ship Entertainment
• Shaftesbury
• Fonds Shaw-Rocket

Sheridan Grace Riggillo comes from the musical theater space with eight years of experience working closely with kids as a performer, choreographer, and instructor. Now a scriptwriter, she is also a dedicated volunteer at the YMA and a member of The Children's Media Lab, a research group focused on bridging the gap between academic research and content creation. Her credits also include a development internship at marblemedia where she collaborated with the Unscripted Development Department on upcoming projects providing research and support. Being the daughter of a DeafBlind father has been a driving force in her pursuit to be integral to bringing new voices to screens. Specifically in children's content, where that representation can help build a more educated future generation and encourage kids from the disabled community.

Sara Khalil-Bayley, a student in the Master of Arts in Media Production program at Metropolitan University of Toronto, is passionate and community-oriented that excels in both academic and corporate environments. Following her Master's degree in Production Arts, she plans to pursue a second year in the school's MBA program. An honors graduate of OCAD University, she specialized in experimental animation and completed a minor in creative writing. She has a passion for children's storytelling in all its forms, and enjoys sharing this deep magic with others. She previously worked as an animation reviewer for Nick Jr.'s new preschool show Bossy Bear. A former student ambassador representing OCAD U at the Toronto International Animation Arts Festival (TAAFI), she then joined the FAAFI team full-time as merchandise manager, while continuing her duties as student ambassador, this time at Metropolitan Toronto University. 

Roxy Macdonald

Roxy Macdonald, a student enrolled in Centennial College’s Children’s Media program in Toronto, is originally from Nova Scotia and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of King's College. Roxy has been working with children for years in various ways, including child-care and after-school programs, and has also worked as a writer, blogger, and viral content creator. She is now focusing on combining her two passions of working with children and screenwriting.

Maia Jae Bastidas

Maia Jae, a recent graduate of Ryerson University* in Media Production., is a Toronto-born Ecuadorian/French-Canadian actress. Her screen credits include CBS’s Ransom, CW’s In the Dark, and Paramount’s Mayor of Kingstown. In 2016, her short-film Thumbs screened at TIFF’s NextWave Showcase. In 2017, she started MK Productions with her twin-sister and spearheaded an ACTRA + TIFF Industry Gala. In June 2021, she graduated from RTA Media School at Ryerson University, with Dean’s List accolades, a major in film and minor in Spanish. She now focuses on acting and producing painfully entertaining content.

Jadiel Dowlin
As the youngest Writer's Guild of Canada member, Jadiel's journey as a teen actor has sparked a passion to create innovative children and youth content that entertains, educates, and empowers viewers, while reflecting a unique Canadian culture. He produces stories that include dynamic, diverse, and memorable characters that undergo transformative arcs and his compelling narratives aim to balance pertinent social issues with suspenseful cinematic themes. He has written several episodes for Dino Dana, participated in Endlings Writing Room (Season 2) (both produced by Sinking Ship Entertainment), and wrote the script for two shorts/teasers: Pendulum and Gameplan (produced by KalKaden Productions). Jadiel has been recognized for several awards. 

Caitlin Aherne
Student at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, currently completing a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Film Studies, Caitlin is combining her love of film studies and children’s education by immersing herself in the field of children’s media production. She was chosen by the selection committee members for the quality of her project currently in development and for her commitment to using film as an educational resource in the classroom. She aims to provide a platform to empower children across Canada by enabling them to share their stories with an international audience.

Nour Mallouh
(Student at Centennial College in Toronto with a Certificate in Screenwriting from Algonquin College in Ottawa, Ontario)

Nour is passionate about all aspects of youth production. The committee members were impressed by the originality and quality of the characters in her project under development. She is determined to create content for young people that will give voice to unusual and inspiring characters.

Julia Dillon-Davis
(Student at the University of Victoria, British Columbia, and holder of a Masters in Screenwriting from York University, Toronto, Ontario)

Julia has been developing her talent and exploring an affinity for youth production for the past several years. The selection committee members chose her for her screenwriting and production experience along with the high quality of her projects in development.

Elizabeth Nunan is actively researching and living in the world of children’s entertainment. She was selected by our jury for the quality of her project currently in development and her strong motivation to a career in the children’s media industry. She's a new student from Centennial College’s Children’s Media Program in Toronto and is completing an undergraduate degree in Social Sciences – Specializing in Psychology at University of Ottawa.

In 2018, she received accreditations and a travel grant to attend the Kidscreen Summit in Miami and the Banff World Media Festival. The Scholarship includes mentorship and networking opportunities with YMA members, a meeting with Andra Sheffer and Kim Wilson, a visit to the Kids’ CBC studios with Marie McCann, and a subscription to Kidscreen magazine.

Anthony Suen is a young professional with interests in the interactive and multi-platform industry. He was selected by a jury of YMA members for the quality of his project currently in development and his deep commitment to a career in the children’s media industry.

Anthony Suen received accreditation to attend Kidscreen Summit 2017 in Miami, a cheque for $1500 to cover transportation and accommodation, accreditation at the Banff World Media Festival 2017, mentoring under Ira Levy and Breakthrough Entertainment and the Youth Media Alliance representatives, a meeting with Andra Sheffer and Kim Wilson, a visit to the Kids’ CBC studios with Marie McCann, and a subscription to Kidscreen magazine.