M ontreal-based distributor VVS Films is expanding its production and distribution efforts surrounding Canadian and Quebec content with the promotions of four key staff members.

Claire Peace-McConnell (pictured far left) and Tim Smy (pictured far right) have been upped to co-heads to identify and acquire English-language Canadian projects, while Coralie Ladouceur (pictured middle left) and Jonathan Latulippe (pictured middle right) will share the content development lead in the Quebec market, said the company which also has an office in Toronto, in a news release on Tuesday (Aug. 30).

Both teams will work under EVP Javi Hernandez and SVP Harry Grivakis. The company, known for launching major action franchises such as The Hitman’s Bodyguard in the Canadian market, said it “remains focused on projects with commercial appeal.”

Peace-McConnell, who joined VVS Films in 2015, takes on the new title of head of public relations and Canadian content development. She previously worked at Alliance Films and Entertainment One (eOne), handling campaigns for Canadian releases such as Goon, Enemy and Trailer Park Boys: The Movie.

Smy, who joined VVS in 2012, is now head of theatrical distribution and Canadian content development. His previous roles with the distribution teams at Toronto’s Union Pictures and MGM saw him working on Canadian projects including Billy Bishop Goes to War, Donovan’s Echo and Down the Road Again.

Ladouceur’s new title is director of technical operations and Quebec content development. She joined VVS in 2018, after being with Alliance Films and eOne, and has worked on Quebec productions such as De père en flic, Café de Flore, and Laurence Anyways.

Latulippe steps into the role of director of marketing and Quebec content development after beginning his career at VVS Films in 2007 in Quebec marketing. He most recently oversaw the adaptation of English campaigns for the French-Canadian audience and was instrumental in bringing Quebec director Xavier Dolan’s upcoming French-language miniseries La nuit où Laurier Gaudreault s’est réveillé to VVS, which financed and served as executive producer for the project.

VVS Films’ Canadian content expansion comes amid big changes in Canadian distribution. In June, news broke that eOne was exiting theatrical distribution in Canada and Spain. Two months later, Patrick Roy — former president of eOne subsidiary Les Films Séville and global theatrical distribution at eOne — announced plans to create a new film distribution company in Quebec.

“We feel there’s an opportunity for us as an established film company to become a home for top Canadian talent. When looking for who could lead this initiative, the passion, experience and skills of our internal staff gave us the confidence to build out from within,” said Hernandez in a statement.

“All four team members have a strong background in and commitment to Canadian film; we are eager to see what projects they bring forward from established filmmakers and emerging talent. The company is meaningfully invested on all levels to support this venture,” added Grivakis.