Cdns behind 'The Simpsons,' 'How I Met Your Mother' top screenwriting conference

TORONTO — A new screenwriting conference in Toronto will be headlined by the Canadian masterminds behind "The Simpsons" and "How I Met Your Mother."

Marquee guests at the inaugural fest include "The Simpsons"' executive producer Tim Long, a western Ontario native who's written and produced for the series for 11 years.

Meanwhile, Chuck Tatham of Listowel, Ont., will discuss his role as co-executive producer of CBS's "How I Met Your Mother."

Long's extensive writing credits include "The Late Show With David Letterman," while Tatham previously worked on "Arrested Development," "Suddenly Susan" and "Full House."

Other speakers include industry veteran Sheldon Bull ("M A S H"), executive producer Ellen Sandler ("Everybody Loves Raymond") and writer/executive producer Rhett Reese ("Zombieland").

The Toronto Screenwriting Conference takes place April 10 and 11.