Maria Kennedy is owner and cofounder of Little Engine Moving Pictures, a creator-driven multi-format media company that specializes in producing and distributing original live action, animated, CGI, and hybrid series with companion interactive content for a global audience. Maria oversees the company’s business and sales strategy while building and strengthening partnerships with Canadian and international broadcasters, streamers and funding partners. Maria has executive produced six original preschool series with companion interactive, two digital series, two feature films, branded social media content and a TV documentary.  Little Engine series and films have won awards at Kidscreen Summit, Youth Media Alliance, W3 Digital, TIFF and Berlinale (best short), and have been nominated at BANFF and Prix Jeunesse. Little Engine past and present funding partners include TVO, Knowledge, CBC, TFO, Radio-Canada, Super Channel, OMNI, Shaw Rocket Fund, Canada Media Fund, Ontario Creates, Bell Fund, COGECO Fund and Rogers Telefund. Filipina Irish Canadian, Maria champions diversity and inclusion in front of and behind the screen.