Toronto-based boutique film studio Vortex Media has hired former Rogers Sports & Media original content executive Nataline Rodrigues (pictured) for a senior development role.

Vortex Media announced Monday (May 8) that Rodrigues has assumed the newly created role of SVP, development.

She is responsible for developing and executive producing films on behalf of Vortex, as well as foster emerging talent, according to a news release. She reports to CEO Justin Rebelo and chief creative officer Jesse Ikeman.

Rodrigues was previously director of original content at Rogers Sports & Media, where she oversaw the development and production of original Canadian programming for channels such as Citytv, OMNI, OLN and Viceland. Her credits include Citytv’s Hudson & Rex, Wong & Winchester, and Canada’s Got Talent, OMNI’s Blood and Water, and Viceland’s Nirvanna the Band the Show.

Prior to joining Rogers Sports & Media, she served as a executive in charge of production, drama and comedy at CBC, where she worked on series such as Being Erica and Arctic Air.

Rebelo said Rodrigues is “known for her commitment to creative excellence, equity and inclusion and mentoring the next generation of entertainment professionals,” in a statement on her new role.

Rodrigues said Vortex Media “has established itself as one of the most prolific Canadian producers of independent film and I look forward to sharing my experience and insights with the team there.”

Vortex Media was formed in 2020 as a rebrand and realignment of production company Vortex Words + Pictures and distributor A71 Releasing. It has three divisions: Vortex Productions, domestic distribution arm Vortex Canada, and global sales and distribution banner Vortex International.

Among the company’s recent original productions is Sean Garrity’s feature The End of Sex, which had its Canadian theatrical release on April 28, and made its world premiere at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival.

Photo courtesy of Vortex Media

Updated on May 10. A previous version, citing wording in a release, had an inaccurate description of Rodrigues’ responsibilities in her new role.