M ontreal-based MELS Studios and Postproduction, part of the TVA Group, has strengthened its management team with the appointment of Jean-Philippe Normandeau (pictured left) as VP, studios and international development, and Marie-Claude Desjardins (pictured right) as senior director, business development.

Normandeau, who is currently serving as chief operating officer at TVA’s Incendo, will oversee studio operations with the remit of boosting the company’s international business development strategy.

He brings extensive experience to the position, including leadership roles at Incendo, the Quebec Film and Television Council, and the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles du Québec (SODEC).

Desjardins, meanwhile, brings more than thirty years of experience to the role, including senior leadership positions at Quebecor Media Expertise. She will focus on MELS business development in the Canadian market, promoting the company’s unique expertise and raising its profile outside Quebec.

“We’re delighted to kick off 2024 with this appointment, which will support our business development strategy,” said MELS president Patrick Jutras in a statement. “It comes as the film and television industry is picking up steam after a few soft years caused by external factors. Jean-Philippe Normandeau’s expertise and market insights will be invaluable in continuing to attract growing numbers of major productions to Montreal, and supporting the vision of excellence of MELS, one of Canada’s leading film and television service providers.”

Photos courtesy of TVA Group