Ben Bishop has joined Vortex Words + Pictures in the newly created role of president, international distribution.

Based in Sydney, Australia, the former Gaumont TV International VP of TV sales for Asia Pacific officially took on the new role as of June 1.

“Ben embodies the spirit of the great team we’re building, continues our momentum in 2020 and immediately elevates our international footprint,” said executive chairman Bill Marks in a statement welcoming Bishop to the company.

Most recently, at Gaumont, the executive was responsible for overseeing all media sales of the company’s multi-genre film and TV slate – which includes shows such as Narcos, Art of Crime and Calimero. Prior to this, Bishop worked for Entertainment One Television International, where he held various roles within the film and TV divisions throughout his 13 years. His last post at eOne was as sales director for Australia, New Zealand and Asia, a role that saw him oversee sales on titles like The Walking Dead, Designated Survivor and more.

Bishop also added that he is thrilled to be taking on this new challenge with the Vortex Words + Pictures team. “I look forward to growing the business on an international scale and building our content offering to the world,” he said.

In March, the prodco announced it had been commissioned by Super Channel for original horror feature Anything For Jackson, directed by Justin G. Dyck. The production wrapped on the project in Barrie, ON, just as COVID-19 began to impact film and TV sets across North America.

Most recently, A71 Entertainment – which Vortex owns a majority interest in alongside V71 Entertainment – acquired D Films catalogue.