Former Bell Media exec Mike Cosentino has joined Toronto-based Mogul Productions as a strategic advisor following the launch of his consultancy company CosMediaInc.

Cosentino will support the alternate blockchain-based decentralized film-financing platform and movie-based NFT marketplace in its growth strategy, reporting to former Bell colleague Paul Sparkes – ex-EVP of corporate affairs at CTVglobemedia (Bell Media) – and financier Gorav Seth, Mogul’s co-chairs of financing.

CosMediaInc, which launched this spring, provides multi-platform production, distribution, content and consulting expertise focused on growth and success in the international market. In January, Cosentino was among a raft of key senior executives – some of Canada’s most recognized and experienced content executives – culled by Bell Media following the departure of former president Randy Lennox, who was replaced by Bell group president and vice chair Wade Oosterman.

Cosentino brings two decades of experience in programming, content and production to Mogul, having formerly led the program and production strategy across the CTV suite of channels (International Channel Group, Discovery, MTV and Comedy Central) that helped CTV attain the top ranking across all Canadian broadcasting networks for 13 consecutive years (2007-2020).

He also worked on the launch and expansion of Crave and the relaunched CTV ad-supported streaming platform. He presided over Bell Media Studios and the company’s independent production slate, greenlighting hit Bell series such as  Letterkenny and Transplant.

“Mike’s experience in building media brands will be invaluable to Mogul as we grow in building partnerships on the film side and expand our NFT offerings,” said Sparkes in a statement. “His track record speaks for itself.”

“I’m excited to join them in this advisory role to support their vision in building partnerships and growing the Mogul community,” added Cosentino.

Aside from connecting creators, film financiers and movie fans together as investors, Mogul uses the blockchain, NFTs, and tokenomics to incentivizes user participation and engagement. “STARS” tokens allows users to complete in-app payments and vote on key decision-making surrounding the greenlighting and producing of feature films.

For the 50,000-plus users on the proprietary platform, the 14-day voting window opens today (Aug. 5) to choose the first film on the platform to receive funding.

The three commercially-appealing projects are action-thrillers Terminal Station and MR-9 or horror Devilreaux. Each met Mogul’s requirements regarding financing (50% already in place), talent (A-list, experienced directors and producers on board), and distribution (deals are imminent).

Previously, Mogul funded writer/director Mohit Ramchandani’s human-trafficking drama film Bonded as a proof of concept. The film, inspired by a true story, stars Jason Patric (The Lost Boys, Speed 2: Cruise Control) and Mexican newcomer Diego Calva (set to star in Damien Chazelle’s historical drama Babylon with Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie). It is currently in post-production with a release date expected later this year