Panel: Creative Expertise: Building IP with Heart

Independent Strategic Consultant
Weigoldmedia
Germany

Janine Weigold is a strategic media executive with international experience across streaming, TV and IP development. She held leading roles at Netflix, Super RTL and Nickelodeon, where she commissioned, developed and scaled family and kids franchises. Today, she works as an independent strategic consultant and is building Huddle TV, focused on improving how audiences make viewing decisions across streaming platforms.
Weigold Media is a strategic media company at the intersection of content, audience growth and product innovation. Founded by former Netflix, Nickelodeon and RTL executive Janine Weigold, it advises streamers, studios and producers on content strategy, IP growth and international audience expansion, while also developing Huddle TV, a new cross-platform decision engine designed to improve how audiences choose what to watch.

Producer and Writer
Zwart Arbeid
Norway

As writer, producer, and CEO of Zwart Arbeid, Veslemøy Ruud Zwart has led “ViQueens” from concept to full-scale international production. She has shaped the story, secured both talent and substantial financing, defined the creative vision, and personally assembled a team of world-leading partners who are now breaking new ground in animation, marketing, and postproduction.
Having already been sold to several major territories, “ViQueens” is building significant momentum more than a year ahead of its theatrical release.

CEO
NJ WORLD
Lithuania

Simona Krasauskienė is a children’s IP and licensing strategist and CEO of NJ WORLD, the company behind “Nelly Jelly” (Kakė Makė) – one of Lithuania’s most successful children’s entertainment brands.
Since 2010 she leads the brand’s evolution from a beloved picture-book character into a multi-platform IP spanning publishing, consumer products, live experiences, music, digital content and animation. Today, her focus is on scaling “Nelly Jelly” internationally while preserving the emotional authenticity and creative DNA that made the character resonate so strongly with children and families.

Producer, Partner, Director
Cartoon Saloon
Ireland

Nora Twomey is a partner and co-creative lead in Cartoon Saloon. Nora has worked on all the company’s major productions as a producer, director, co-director of the company since its foundation in 1999. Having begun her career directing multi-award winning short films, Nora co-directed Tomm Moore’s ACADEMY AWARD® Nominated "The Secret of Kells", was Head of Story on ACADEMY AWARD® Nominated "Song of the Sea" before working on the creative development of "Puffin Rock" preschool series. She was nominated for an ACADEMY AWARD® & GOLDEN GLOBE for "The Breadwinner", which she directed before going on to direct "My Father’s Dragon", a Netflix Original film. Nora was a producer and voice actor on 2020’s ACADEMY AWARD® Nominated "WolfWalkers" and produced "Julián" along with her partners Tomm Moore, Paul Young and co-producing partners. Nora is currently working on Cartoon Saloon’s development slate including lots of juicy passion projects.

SVP of Global Trends
Dubit
USA

David Kleeman is SVP of Global Trends for Dubit, a research firm and games studio, and founder of consultancy Playvangelist. As a strategist, analyst, author, speaker and connector, he has led the children’s media industry in developing sustainable, kid-friendly practices for 35+ years. David’s perspective is that for all that changes, children’s development and needs remain constant.
David is advisory board chair to the worldwide children’s TV festival PRIX JEUNESSE and on the board of the US Children’s Media Association. In 2023, he was inducted into the Children’s and Family Emmy Silver Circle, for 25+ years of service.