Blueprint Entertainment is expanding its Toronto office with the appointment of producer/consultant Jesse Ikeman as VP of business development and coproduction, reporting to principals John Morayniss and Noreen Halpern.

In the newly created position, Ikeman will be responsible for packaging, development and financing of new creative content, in addition to promoting opportunities between Blueprint and independent producers and companies. Ikeman recently produced the feature drama Barstool Words, starring Colm Feore, and has consulted on series including Whistler and The Newsroom.

‘We are thrilled to have an executive of Jesse’s caliber join us in what is a very exciting period for Blueprint,’ said Morayniss in a release.

‘We will be focused on greater coproduction opportunities and on creating an aggressive strategy to work with Canadian producers and pursue properties that have cross-border appeal,’ said Ikeman.

A spokesperson for Blueprint says Ikeman will be at next month’s Banff World Television Festival to meet with producers who may be seeking completion financing through distribution advances or international coproduction opportunities.