Film and television agency Meridian Artists has expanded its operations to Vancouver and hired its first agent for the region, adding to its principal offices in Toronto and L.A.

Katharine Pavoni has been hired as an agent in the key creative and directors division for the B.C. office and will report directly to company president Glenn Cockburn.

Pavoni’s remit includes expanding Meridian’s relationships with the Vancouver production community, supporting and growing the Meridian roster in the province, and working with the agency’s Toronto office to support opportunities on domestic Canadian productions.

Pavoni will also work with the company’s L.A. office “to strengthen relationships in the U.S. service production sector and navigate opportunities for directors, cinematographers, editors, production designers and costume designers,” according to a news release.

With over 15 years of experience in a range of production roles, Pavoni joins Meridian after working as manager of industry and community affairs at Creative BC. The new position comes at a time when “the motion picture industry in B.C. is overflowing with talent that continues to accelerate the growth and reputation of our industry both domestically and internationally,” said Pavoni in a statement.

Founded in 2005, Meridian offers full-service entertainment industry representation and management of actors, screenwriters, directors, authors and key creatives. The agency launched its key creative and directors division in 2017 and expanded its L.A. office in 2021 with the acquisition of The Alpern Group. It also has divisions for literary, talent and authors.

Cockburn said with the new B.C. office, “Meridian recognizes the importance the Vancouver production community plays in the ecosystem of Canadian media.”