End of the line for Barna, Blueprint names

Entertainment One has confirmed plans to rebrand its film and television properties — marking the end of notable Canuck brands including Barna-Alper, Seville Pictures, Oasis International, Blueprint Entertainment and Maximum Films within the week.

A company spokesperson says the ‘across-the-board corporate rebranding’ is not a restructuring and does not involve layoffs. Word about the changes got out earlier than intended on Monday, and E1 would not disclose further details about its plans.

The companies came under the E1 umbrella last July following a substantial spending spree to beef up its Canadian production and distribution holdings. The Toronto company also owns U.K.-based Contender Films and Benelux distributor RCV Entertainment, which are likely to rebrand as well.

Last month, E1’s bid to acquire Michael Donovan’s DHX Media, including children’s entities Decode Entertainment, Halifax Film and Studio B Productions, fell through after lack of consent from its senior lenders.