Damon D’Oliveira appointed as CMPA chair

The producers association unveiled its board of directors for the 2023-25 term following its annual general meeting.

Conquering Lion Pictures co-founder Damon D’Oliveira (pictured) has been appointed as chair of the Canadian Media Producers Association’s (CMPA) board of directors.

The CMPA announced the full board for the 2023-25 term on Thursday (Sept. 28) following its annual general meeting, which includes eight new additions.

D’Oliveira assumes the role from outgoing chair Erin Haskett of Vancouver’s Lark Productions, who will remain as a member of the board. Winnipeg-based Eagle Vision’s Kyle Irving and Toronto-based WildBrain’s Anne Loi both serve as vice-chairs.

New to the board representing Ontario are Shaftesbury’s Elysse Goldman, Blink49 Studios’ Nelson Kuo-Lee, Cameron Pictures’ Amy Cameron, and 9 Story Media Group’s Vince Commisso.

Rounding out the new board members are Brightlight Pictures’ Emily Alden for B.C.; Karma Film’s Anand Ramayya for Saskatchewan; Shut Up & Colour Pictures’ Marc Tetreault for Nova Scotia; and Sphere Media’s Sébastien Pigeon for Quebec.

Meanwhile, Calgary-based SEVEN24 Films’ Tom Cox has been appointed as director emeritus.

The full board of directors also includes Blue Ant Media and marblemedia’s Mark Bishop, who serves as secretary, as well as Big Coat Media’s Maria Armstrong, LoCo Motion Pictures’ Lauren Corber, Hungry Eyes Media’s Jennifer Holness, Entertainment One’s Kate Sangster-Poole, and Pier 21 Films’ Vanessa Steinmetz, all representing Ontario.

Representing B.C. are Thunderbird Entertainment’s Sarah Nathanson, who also serves as treasurer, as well as Screen Siren Pictures’ Steven Thibault and Tabula Dada Productions’ Haydn Wazelle.

Amaxis’ Archita Ghosh, Ideacom’s Josette D. Normandeau and Muse Entertainment’s Aren Prupas represent Quebec, while Auguste Content’s Ann Bernier and Sara Fost Pictures’ Allison White represent the Atlantic provinces.

Rounding out the board members are Turtle Mountain Media’s Darcy Waite for Manitoba, and SEVEN24’s Michelle Wong for Alberta.

“The impressive range of experience and perspectives of our incoming board of directors will position the CMPA to strongly represent the interests of our membership, at this key time when the focus of the industry is on the CRTC’s implementation of Bill C-11,” said D’Oliveira in a statement. “I am honoured to take on the role of board chair, and look forward to working with my talented colleagues on the Board to advocate on behalf of Canada’s independent production community and the success of the broader industry.”

“Decisions made in the coming months will shape the future of Canada’s independent production sector for years to come,” added CMPA president and CEO Reynolds Mastin. “I look forward to working with Damon and our all-star board of directors to ensure the continued success of Canada’s independent media production sector.”

Image courtesy of Conquering Lion Pictures