Freelance creative producer and development executive, well versed in international co-pros, short form and audience outreach strategy. Experience and passion for telling queer stories. Looking to connect with writers and development execs.

One of Canada's "5 to Watch" in 2018, Steph Ouaknine is an award-winning producer and development executive specializing in short form, queer stories and international co-productions. She has a proven track record of creating evocative series that have garnered passionate fans, critical acclaim, and forged innovative new revenue models. She creates content that finds an audience.

Steph has co-created and produced CARMILLA, the award-winning multi-platform series that ran for 108 episodes and spawned a global, engaged community. Financed by U by Kotex, the series topped 100+ million views, earning accolades from Cannes Lion, Rocky Awards, multiple Canadian Screen Award wins, Webby and Streamy, and MIPTV's "Brand Content of the Year" 2018 Award.

At Shaftesbury, she spearheaded longform development, reporting to the CEO Christina Jennings. Liaised with vast network of writers to option, create, develop and pitch hour long dramas to AMC, HULU, Netflix, ITV, Corus, Bell, UKTV and more.

Steph's entrepreneurial spirit and passion for the future of television has landed her a spot in the Canadian Media Producers' Association "Next Generation Producers", the Netflix-Banff Media Diversity fellowship, National Screen Institute's Totally TV Program, and has been selected for the Trans-Atlantic Partners' co-production training program along with 25 fellow producers from around the world. Her latest series was shortlisted for the Sundance Episodic Lab 2020.

Steph has spoken at SXSW, TIFF, The British Film Institute, Buffer Festival, VIFF, New York Comic Con and Toronto Fan Expo, as well as Ryerson, LMU and UCLA. She's sat on the jury for the Digital Emmy Awards and Canadian Screen Awards.

Now based in Los Angeles, Steph is passionate about the future of television and diverse voices, eager to propel the Phoebe-Waller Bridges' of Canada to the international market.