Talent agency Play Management has expanded to IP development with the launch of content creation arm Play Media.
Based in Toronto, Play Media will be led by producer Andrew McCann Smith (pictured), serving as managing director and director of content. McCann Smith will be responsible for developing and leveraging IP for the international market as well as incubating talent.
The new organization – which operates under the full title of Play Management Media Inc. – will help Play Management “streamline the process of connecting creatives and projects to buyers,” according to partner and co-founder Trina Allen in a statement, with plans to collaborate on projects with the talent agency’s long-standing industry partners.
McCann Smith has produced a number of projects under his previous banner First Love Films, including CBC Gem and The CW’s Warigami, season one of Shudder series Cursed Films and Amazon Prime’s The Dark. He has also worked under Sienna Films as a production executive with series Cardinal and Trickster.
“This is not only an exciting move into creative content and production space, it expands the Play enterprise and will undoubtedly create many more opportunities for talent,” said Allen. “With Andrew’s skill, relationships, and experience, we believe he’s the right person to build Play Media.”
Play Management’s talent roster includes Letterkenny star and co-creator Jared Keeso, Eli Goree (One Night in Miami), Jacob Tremblay (Wonder, Room), Tricia Helfer (Lucifer) and actor and director Amanda Tapping (Travelers).
The company, based in Vancouver, first expanded to Toronto in 2018 to grow its North American footprint.