AI Committee

Zina Rahman is the Co-Founder and CEO of Transitional Forms, a Toronto-based emergent entertainment studio where AI and interactive storytelling converge. With a career spanning storytelling, interactive media, and emerging technology, her work includes Simia, a patented platform where audiences shape narratives in real time, recognized by TechCrunch Disrupt Battlefield 200, a Webby Honoree for Experimental Innovation, and a Silver winner at the Collision Awards.

Rob Elsworthy is a highly accomplished professional in the media industry, with an impressive career spanning two decades. With over 15 years of experience in the Games industry, he has worked on a variety of acclaimed projects, including Metal Gear Solid, Max Payne, Grand Theft Auto, and Red Dead Redemption, bringing his expertise as an Animator, VFX Artist, Director and Game Designer. With a mission to promote diversity and social awareness in the gaming industry, Rob founded his own videogame company, Resistr Interactive. Additionally, he currently serves as the Program Director for Video Game Design and Animation at Toronto Film School.

Jeffrey Elliott has spent more than three decades working at the intersection of media, technology and change. His career began in television production and broadcasting before moving into sales, communications and emerging digital media. He went on to hold senior leadership roles with organizations including TSN and NetStar, where he helped shape some of Canada’s early digital initiatives. Jeffrey is the Founder and Principal of TableRock Media, a strategic advisory company, and the Founder of GlassBOX Television, which became one of Canada’s leading multiplatform media companies. GlassBOX launched BiteTV, one of the world’s first interactive and multiplatform television channels. BiteTV received an International Emmy for Interactive Broadcasting, among other industry recognition. GlassBOX was acquired by Blue Ant Media in 2012.

Winner of the inaugural WIFT+ Digital Trailblazer Crystal Award, Lucie Lalumière is the President & CEO of Interactive Ontario (IO), the trade association representing Ontario’s interactive entertainment sector ( video games, XR). She brings extensive executive and entrepreneurial experience in interactive digital media, having led award-winning teams and held senior roles at MediaLinx Sympatico, CBC/Radio-Canada, Corus Entertainment, supersonic MINDS, and as Founder of Lalumiere Media.

As Vice President of Game Pill, Mary oversees finance, business affairs and production, ensuring her teams stay motivated, and client care remains paramount. As a CPA, Mary spent the first half of her career providing business and tax advice to some of Canada’s most successful enterprises before finding her place in the interactive space in 2011. She has over 15 years of experience leading teams and managing projects from concept to final deliverables. Mary has a love for learning and is always looking to get involved. She has earned a producer certificate, sits on Interactive Ontario’s board of directors, and chairs its Advocacy Committee, helping ensure that the IDM industry has a strong voice.

Max practises in the areas of entertainment, music, digital media and intellectual property law. He assists with transactional matters, intellectual property enforcement, and by providing strategic and general copyright law advice. Max works with a wide range of clients, including emerging and established artists and performers, music publishers and record labels, copyright collectives, and other entities in the creative industries. With experience both as in-house counsel and in private practice, Max brings a practical and business-oriented perspective to legal matters.

Vikas Gupta is a charismatic leader who defines himself as a seasoned executive with an entrepreneurial DNA. He has an insatiable passion for start-ups and emerging growth tech companies. Vikas is the co-founder & CEO of AVARA Media, a company focused on the creation of an immersive Augmented Reality technology platform that experientially connects people to the biggest environmental and ecological issues our planet is facing.