Katadotis steps in

Peter Katadotis, Telefilm Canada’s director of production and development, has been named interim executive director. Katadotis replaces Pierre DesRoches, who served as executive director for six years. Telefilm says its new executive director will be announced at a later date by Minister of Canadian Heritage Michel Dupuy.

Atlantis’ YTV share

Following a couple of buying and selling maneuvres, Atlantis Communications has emerged with a 28% stake in YTV Canada.

Atlantis, which had recently bought a 30% share of ytv, acquired another 10% from a numbered company controlled by principals of Paragon Entertainment and other shareholders. That brought Atlantis’ position to 40%. Then it agreed to sell 6% to each of Rogers Broadcasting and CUC Broadcasting.

The new arrangement will leave Atlantis with a 28% share in ytv and Rogers and cuc will hold up to 34% each.

It will cost Atlantis approximately $18 million for their interest in ytv; $11 million will be paid in cash and the rest will be settled in cash or in Atlantis subordinate voting shares, at $15 per share.