Corus Entertainment has launched a scripted content venture with experienced TV executive Jeff Norton (pictured) as it moves further into live-action youth content.

Norton joins Corus as head of Waterside Studios, a “new IP and production venture focused on bringing premium scripted Canadian content for youth and primetime audiences,” according to a news release.

The venture is based in Toronto and is wholly owned and operated by Corus, a spokesperson confirmed to Playback Daily.

Corus has also signed an overall deal with Norton’s production company Dominion of Drama. Among the titles already optioned are adaptations for Josie Williams’ supernatural YA novel The Wanderer; Candy Harper’s time-bending novel A Switch in Time; and Cheyanne Young’s YA romance The Last Wish of Sasha Cade, co-developed with Corus-owned prodco and distributor Nelvana.

In addition to working with independent producers for the Canadian and international market, Waterside Studios will partner with Nelvana to further build its live-action content slate, with a focus on developing YA book adaptations for television. Nelvana expanded into live-action youth content in recent years with Lambur Productions’ Daytime Emmy-nominated The Hardy Boys.

Norton has more than two decades of experience adapting books for the screen, working in the U.S., Canada and the U.K., including at The Jim Henson Company and The Octonauts prodco Chorion. He also has a long history with Corus, serving as a consultant and executive producer for Nelvana’s 2014 animated series Trucktown, in addition to co-writing the novel Keeping the Beat, which was published by the Kids Can Press YA imprint KCP Loft.

“Jeff’s creativity, business acumen, and international focus will help propel our content ownership strategy as we pursue production and distribution opportunities for Corus’ best-in-class creative content,” said Colin Bohm, EVP, content and corporate strategy at Corus, in a statement.

The new venture and overall deal is the latest move from Corus to expand its live action programming for kids and youth. The broadcaster acquired a majority stake in Toronto’s Aircraft Pictures earlier this year.