Negotiating with U.S. talent: Deals, dynamics and realities

CMPA members are invited to register for the next webinar in the STAR Producer Program’s negotiation and dealmaking module, focused on engaging and negotiating with U.S. talent, taking place on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. PT.

Building on the foundational mindset introduced in the first webinar, this session dives into the practical realities producers face when attaching U.S. actors, directors, and writers to Canadian and international projects. Featuring Dina Appleton (EVP, Global Business & Legal Affairs, Cineflix Media and author of Hollywood Dealmaking) and Kate Sangster-Poole (SVP, Business & Legal Affairs, Blink49 Studios), the discussion will offer expert insight into navigating cross-border expectations and deal structures.

This session will provide a high-level overview of the key considerations when working with U.S. talent, including strategic fit, union and guild frameworks, and how these relationships impact financing, production, and distribution. Designed for producers operating in a global marketplace, it will offer practical context and guidance to help approach these negotiations with greater clarity and confidence.

If you are a CMPA member and would like to register, click here to login.

Dina Appleton is Executive Vice President of Global Business and Legal Affairs at Cineflix Media, overseeing legal and business affairs across development, production, acquisition, and distribution.

Previously, she held senior BLA roles at Entertainment One and Boat Rocker Media, and was Special Counsel at Sheppard Mullin, advising studios and talent. She also served as General Counsel at Writers and Artists Agency (later acquired by Paradigm).

Dina is co-author of Hollywood Dealmaking: Negotiating Talent Agreements, and a member of the California and Ontario Bars and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

Kate Sangster-Poole is the Senior Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs at Blink49 Studios, working across a range of projects for both domestic and international audiences. Prior to Blink49 Studios, Kate was SVP at Cineflix Media and at (the former) eOne where she worked for over 13 years. Over the years, Kate has worked on a multitude of media projects, including scripted and unscripted television series, MOWs, documentaries, and digital/new media productions. Kate has been on the CMPA Board of Directors since 2021, is a member of the AI/Copyright, Governance, and Industrial Relations Committees, and has been a part of the CMPA’s collective bargaining for both ACTRA and the WGC negotiations.

A limited number of copies of Hollywood Dealmaking: Negotiating Talent Agreements for Film, TV and Digital Media, co-authored by session speaker Dina Appleton will be made available to webinar attendees (while supplies last). The book is an excellent resource to complement the insights shared during the session and support continued learning beyond the webinar.

Reframing negotiation: A win-win approach

CMPA members were invited to register for a webinar on Thursday, April 2, 2026, led by Niem Huynh, an educator and life coach, the opening webinar will provide a strong foundation for the more industry-specific discussions to follow later in the module.

This foundational session explored how producers can rethink and reframe their approach to negotiations as a collaborative, win-win process. Through real-world examples and actionable insights, participants learned how to identify negotiation opportunities, build confidence in asking for what they need, and how to develop a mindset rooted in clarity and purpose.

Members who attended this webinar also had the opportunity to apply for one-on-one negotiation coaching with the facilitator.

Niem Huynh (黄可柔), PhD, PPCC, is an educator and geographer by training and applies these skills as she supports graduate students in their professional trajectories. Her diverse professional experience spans different positions within the university and non-profit sectors, in the USA and Canada. Her curiosity sees her learning to juggle, perfecting the butterfly stroke and improving her Français (while maintaining her Cantonese and English tongues). Learn more

In the coming weeks, CMPA members will be invited to participate in a webinar on dealmaking with broadcasters and streamers.

Stay tuned!