Toronto prodco Shaftesbury has hired Chris Farrer as its new VP, creative and coproductions.

Based in London, U.K., Farrer is tasked with securing future coproduction opportunities for Shaftesbury by building its relationships with international producers and content creators. He reports directly to Shaftesbury chairman and president Christina Jennings.

The role was previously held by Alexandra Finlay, who departed the company earlier this year to join A+E Networks as VP, scripted international coproductions.

Finlay became Shaftesbury’s first U.K.-based executive when she was hired as senior director, creative and coproductions in 2019. She was promoted to VP in 2021.

Farrer most recently served as head of development at Catalyst Global Media, and has worked in the U.K. screen industry for more than two decades. His development credits include Silent Witness for BBC and The White Princess for Starz.

Jennings said Farrer is “an experienced creative executive with strong connections with U.K. writers” and “a great asset in helping Shaftesbury grow our content slate with a focus on coproductions with the U.K., Ireland and Europe,” in a statement.

Shaftesbury-produced series are up for a total of 23 Canadian Screen Awards in April, including Departure, which was coproduced with Ireland’s Deadpan Pictures for season two. Other nominees include Hudson & Rex, Murdoch Mysteries, Ruby and the Well, and digital series Mary & Flo on the Go, Slo Pitch, and Topline.

Photo courtesy of Shaftesbury