The Characters talent agency has embarked on an expansion effort that includes the opening of a packaging division and the buyout of the Connie Winkelman agency.

Sanjay Burman heads up the packaging division, based out of Characters’ Toronto office, which will work in tandem with Characters’ literary department (representing writers, directors, production managers and set designers) to match projects with producers. In addition to utilizing Characters’ talent base, president Larry Goldhar says alliances have been established with u.s. agencies to bring up-and-coming American actors into the deals.

With its purchase of Winkelman, which represented stand-up comedians in the film and tv market, Connie Winkelman is now operating a comedic talent division out of Characters’ office. Clients include Mike Bullard and Mike McDonald.

The packaging division has sold the rights to Dallas Williams’ biography of Shania Twain, On My Way, to Power Pictures.

Another project is Maggie Rose, a $3-million to $4-million tv movie to be produced by California-based Orly Addelson Productions. The screenplay, penned by Canadian Maida Rogerson, is about a community in Newfoundland which comes together to raise a sunken ship.

Burman reports that he is in negotiations with Amberwood Productions on a series titled Bruzer, based on a clothing line logo. The project, developed by Richard Scrimger, is set in an inner-city school and revolves around a 12-year-old.

Burman is also representing authors seeking to have their works optioned. Projects include Trial of Passion, a book by Street Legal creator William Deverell about a professor accused of raping his student who seeks out the help of his friend, a once-great attorney turned alcoholic. Bruce Gray, Michael Moriarty (both represented by Characters) and Laura Bertram (Ready Or Not) are attached to lead the cast.

Characters has also purchased the rights to John Kane’s Hollywood spoof Best Actress, a murder mystery which unfolds when five actresses are nominated for an Academy Award. Burman says he is now looking to sell the option and bring a writer on board to adapt the book.

Ellis Cohen, whose recent book Dangerous Evidence is being turned into a tv movie for Lifetime, has also signed with the agency.

The packaging division has worked out a first-look deal on new releases with publishing houses it represents such as Insomniac Press and Riverbank Press. As well, Burman is as acting as a liaison between producers and other publishing companies with scripts available for option.