People/Companies

Blue Ant Media builds out North American production team
The Toronto-based company has made a number of appointments, including adding Laura Michalchyshyn as an original programming consultant.

Deals: CBC, Gusto Worldwide, eOne
CBC inks deals for Barry Avrich’s The Reckoning: Hollywood’s Worst Kept Secret, Finding The Secret Path and Jessica Jessica, Gusto sells three originals, plus more.

BCE names Mirko Bibic COO
In his new position, the exec will lead Bell’s customer-facing business units, while Wade Oosterman will take on the role of vice-chair for BCE and Bell Canada.

Our House Media invests in new prodco 4East Media
The recently formed unscripted prodco is led by Sharone Ostrovsky, Peter Esteves, Liz West and Sonya Roberts.

Home Invasion Studios breaks into T.O.
The Toronto prodco was founded by comedians David Merry, Tim Steeves and George Westerholm.

CBC/Radio-Canada sets three-year inclusion plan
The pubcaster hit its Strategy 2020 goal of 2.1% Indigenous representation in its workforce, and noted that 48.9% of its employees are women.

Virginia Rankin upped to SVP at Sphere Media Plus
The Montreal-headquartered prodco has also promoted development head Tara Woodbury, as it looks to strengthen its presence in English-language markets.

George Cheeks, Paul Telegdy to replace Bob Greenblatt at NBC Entertainment
Greenblatt will aid in the transition and continue to work with NBC Entertainment on its live musical specials.

Comcast beats out Fox in $40 billion bid for Sky
Sky has issued a unanimous recommendation of the offer to its shareholders, urging them to accept the deal “immediately.”

CMF exec Maurice Boucher dies at age 52
A veteran communications and marketing professional, Boucher joined the CMF from Tele-Quebec in 2012.

Distributor profile: Red Arrow Studios International
Shirley Bowers, the company’s VP of sales and acquisitions for North America, discusses boarding Blood Horn with DCTV and opportunities in the Canadian market.

In brief: Eugenio Perez boards Brain Power’s Beatrix and Peter
Plus: ACTRA Toronto honours Frankie Drake and Tonya Williams with Sandi Ross Awards and Nomadic-produced comedy The Detour rolls in Vancouver.